VOLUNTEERS 'transformed' parts of Appleton Thorn during a village spring clean last Sunday.

Around 25 people, including residents and inmates from HMP Thorn Cross, met at the village hall, on Stretton Road, ahead of the three-hour operation.

As well as a clean-up of the litter scattered across the area, 'unkempt' greenery was also tackled.

The day, which coincided with the national Clean for the Queen initiative to mark Her Majesty's birthday, was hailed as a huge success but organiser Nora Carlin, from Appleton Thorn, admitted it would not have been possible without the valuable support from volunteers.

She said: "I was really pleased with the turnout – there was a great community spirit on show.

"We wanted to help clean up all of the area and there were some parts which needed more attention than others.

"We had about 20 bin bags of litter at the end of it after cleaning up the village.

"And someone pointed out that the bus stop on Lumb Brook Road was overgrown so we got a team down there and carried out some work.

"We trimmed the weeds down and cut it all right back – there was a lot to tackle.

"We had planned to finish at 12pm but we carried on going and didn't stop until gone 1pm as we wanted to get the job done. Everyone did a fantastic job to help transform some of the area."

Nora also confirmed plans for similar events in the future to help keep the village in pristine condition.

"People are keen to tidy up the village and take responsibility for the area as council funds will only stretch so far," she added.

"We are planning to make the spring clean an annual occasion one week before the Bawming of the Thorn each year."

The council provided equipment, including litter pickers for the event, while the village hall supplied free sandwiches.