Get ready for a big tidy up

HUNDREDS of young people from churches in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives will be helping to give communities a spring clean by clearing away litter. More than 150 volunteers will pick litter, wash cars, and do some gardening for residents of the Oxmoor

HUNDREDS of young people from churches in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives will be helping to give communities a spring clean by clearing away litter.

More than 150 volunteers will pick litter, wash cars, and do some gardening for residents of the Oxmoor in a repeat of a successful 2004 event.

Last time, 25 residents' gardens were cleared and 150 bags of litter, as well as old sofas and mattresses, were collected.

The community event, called The Noise Huntingdon, will take place over two days on the weekend of July 8 and 9.

As well as litter picking, activities will include a free community quiz night on Saturday night, a barbecue and a football tournament for young people.

The volunteers were gathered following announcements and presentations at church services in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives.

It is being organised by Gemma Ward and Jon Bowers, both members of Huntingdon Methodist Church who are leading churches in a bid to do something for the community. They said the Oxmoor was selected as it has a strong community and is receptive to these kinds of activities.

Gemma said: "This is a real opportunity for anybody and everybody to get involved with helping our community."

Huntingdonshire District Council is donating litter picking equipment and the event is funded mainly by Huntingdon Freemans Charity and the High Sheriff of Huntingdon.

INFORMATION: New volunteers can still get involved, Contact Gemma Ward or Jon Bowers on 07758 992 806. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Residents who want to book a gardening team for a couple of hours, which is on a first come, first served basis, call 07758 992 846.