A programme to save British bees has yielded a large pot of honey for Tower Hamlets residents.

Beehives were set up by housing association Poplar HARCA on the roof of Silver Wharf, Poplar, as part of the ‘Poplar, the Place to BEE’ campaign and the hives produced 50 lbs of honey.

The programme, funded by City Bridge Trust and run in collaboration with Leaders in Community and Silver Gardeners, saw residents receive practical and theoretical beekeeping training throughout the summer.

Resident Fran Jefcoate said: “Bees need all the help they can get and it was fascinating to learn how complex and delicate their lives are.

“We are so proud of our first honey haul, after two years of hard work.

“I may be biased, but I think the honey tastes wonderful, really aromatic with lots of elderflower.”

Babu Bhattacherjee, Poplar HARCA’s director of communities and neighbourhoods, said: “This event was about showing our appreciation to the residents of Silver Wharf for allowing us to establish hives on their rooftop.

“This project is part of our overarching commitment to encourage greening of the area, food growing and relevant training so that residents are able to make the most of our outdoor spaces.

“Special thanks go to Koyes Miah and Abdul Miah, local bee enthusiasts who, together with their mentor Len Mole, looked after the bees seven days a week and ensured we had healthy hives and a fantastic honey harvest.”