by Helen Wagstaff

Forget pounds and pence, some tasty-looking carrots or fine runner beans could get you want you want, if bartering makes a return in one village.

Residents in Marden are hoping to gather support for the event, which would allow people to meet and swap home-grown vegetables or produce.

The idea started during a conversation between a group of friends who all have children of a similar age.

The group, who have not yet named themselves, are now spreading the word to see if there is support for the idea among other villagers.

Marc Curtis said: "We all like growing our own vegetables and at the end of the year everyone always has excess stuff. It seemed to us that there was a perfect opportunity for some swapping."

The plan is for a event at the beginning of September, which could be called Marden Barter Day, Marden Harvest Swap or something else along these lines.

The initial idea is to just swap vegetables and other home made produce, like jams, breads and chutneys, but Mr Curtis, 38, admits that he would love to see it growing into something much bigger.

He said: "I would love to see it expand and include people swapping skills and stuff, but for now it is just about gauging interest and seeing if it is even possible.

"A village is the perfect setting for an idea like this because you already have a community who are interested in doing things for themselves. This is a way of getting access to different foods, without driving to Maidstone just to buy a Chilean apple."

If you are interested in taking part in the barter day log on tomarden.villagebarter.co.ukor call Mr Curtis on 01622 833246