COMMUNITY spirit is alive and well in Northwich after volunteers rolled up their sleeves to spruce up one of the town's landmarks.

More than 20 volunteers came together to help clear the grounds of St Helen's church, after years of growth had left some grave markers hidden for decades.

The hard work began on Friday, November 5 and continued into the following day after holly, ivy and various self-seeding saplings and started to take over.

Sadly, it wasn't just the ever-expanding greenery that needed removing, but also years of litter that had become embedded in it over many years.

Northwich Guardian: Some grave markings at St Helens church hadn't been seen in decades

Some grave markings at St Helens church hadn't been seen in decades

The volunteers came from all parts of Northwich and surrounding areas, while many of them are also members of various groups active in the area including FOAM (Marbury Park), Vale Royal Conservation, Transition Northwich, Soroptimists and St Helen’s.

Gordon Atkinson, who organised the work on behalf of St Helen’s Church said: "We often hear the message that community spirit is lost, that things are not what they used to be.

"Based on the clear evidence from Friday and Saturday this isn’t true in Northwich.

People came to work together, to improve the condition of this important community asset, to give and at the same time to enjoy.

"As someone once said ‘volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.’

"St Helen’s Church is delighted with the outcome and really appreciates the time and talents these volunteers gave.

"Special thanks to Angela for the tea break cakes.”

Northwich Guardian: More than 20 volunteers helped clear the grounds of St Helens Church in Northwich

More than 20 volunteers helped clear the grounds of St Helens Church in Northwich