A RIGHT good spruce-up was given to a park in Stratford last week by a worthy band of volunteers as part of a national charity event.

Members of Community Links Abbey Mills Play, Sow and Grow team, Cllr Charlene McLean and around 55 residents of all ages picked up leaves and rubbish at Abbey Lane Open Space as part of Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Make a Difference Day.

Cecilia Jaros, community development worker at Community Links, said: “It was a very good turn out, especially considering the weather was grey and it was drizzling.

“Everyone that took part achieved a certificate courtesy of CSV who also sent some chocolate that was very appreciated by the children, in particular.”

Around the country last week thousands of volunteers got together to take part in activities to brighten up the places they live as part of Make a Difference Day.

The annual event is run by volunteering and training charity CSV.