THE Friends of St Elphin’s Park, who were recently awarded the Volunteer Group of the Year award from Warrington Borough Council, have now been nominated as a cause of the Co-op.

The friends were honoured to receive the volunteer award, especially as there was such a high standard of competition. The group were nominated for their community contribution during the summer, when, in conjunction with the council's Neighbourhoods Team, they ran a range of activities and provided lunch for more than 200 children in St Elphin’s Park. All the activities and the lunches were provided free of charge, costs and provision of food being covered by a grant from the WBC CIF fund and the Co-op.

The Pavilion Tea Rooms has become a much-loved feature in the Fairfield and Howley community; operating on a voluntary basis since 2013, the Tea Rooms provide a focal gathering point for all ages throughout the summer.

A favourite with the community are the monthly Dig With Dave activity days: supported by WBC and Ranger Dave Hazlehurst, residents help to keep the park clean and tidy as well as developing friendships and community support.

Treasured and valued by residents, the group are well known for their parties in the park and community clean ups.

The group of dedicated volunteers, a group of Helping Hands and WBC Neighbourhoods Team have achieved great success in improving the environment in and around the park and gaining funding to promote their activities.

New members are always welcome.