YOU would be bananas to consider throwing away unwanted fruit after hearing about this exciting new project.

The idea of turning the good stuff into delicious jams, chutneys and juices sounds far sweeter.

Fruity volunteers at the Brighton Permaculture Trust have launched an online crowdfunding campaign to complete the building of The Fruit Factory in Stanmer Park.

The trust – a charity that promotes greener lifestyles and sustainable development – is setting up the factory in an old tractor shed that will turn unwanted fruit into tantalising produce.

It is expected the factory could process up to 40 tons a year – the equivalent of 250,000 apples.

Work has already begun on The Fruit Factory, but £12,000 is needed to complete the structure by summer this year – just in time for the fruit season.

Together with Buzzbnk, the trust’s campaign launched on Tuesday and is calling for donations over the next 30 days to help get the project off the ground.

Bryn Thomas, of Brighton Permaculture Trust, said: “We’ll be looking for volunteers and fruit donations when we’re up and running, but to get to that point we need to hit the fundraising target.

“Once running, most of the produce we make will be sold to people at the factory and at the Food Shed at the Open Market.”

As well as a hotbed for juicy jams and cool chutneys, The Fruit Factory will provide a lively venue to educate and engage the public about local fruit, orchards, and food production.

Mr Thomas said The Fruit Factory will be a seasonal project, set to operate for at least four years.

He added: “Sometimes what you find with fruit is that it isn’t shop quality but in fact it perfectly good to eat.

“So instead of wasting it, we’ll be making delicious goods.”

For more information on the project and how to donate visit brightonpermaculture.org.uk/fruitfactory