A couple have transformed their top-floor flat into a flourishing garden producing fruit and vegetables.

Terry Patterson and Teresa Willy, of Vincent Court in Wimbledon, developed their passion for gardening by converting their balcony and communal garden into their own source of edible produce instead of buying items from a supermarket.

Ms Patterson said: “As soon as we moved in we began to hatch a plot, literally. We were worried the other residents might object, but they were really pleased and thought it was a great idea.”

The couple, who moved into their flat earlier this year, have plans to develop the edible garden further by encouraging the involvement of other residents to enjoy the benefits of being a little less reliant on supermarkets.

Ms Patterson believes communities need to think about a future which is less dependent on imported products and think how city gardens can be planted.

“Londoners are crying out for space to grow their own produce with many boroughs having waiting lists of several decades for allotments.

“In the meantime, perhaps we need to think laterally and use the space we have on our doorsteps,” she said.