VOLUNTEERS are needed to form a working party to tidy up St Paul's Church graveyard in Hoddlesden.

The graveyard on Johnson New Road, which is some distance from the church, does not have electricity so people with petrol strimmers, clippers and secateurs are required.

It is hoped the scheme can be extended so people adopt a grave and look after it through the year.

Church warden Sylvia Robinson said: "There's all sorts to do. There are broken-down walls, overgrown brambles and graves need tidying up.

"Some of the graves are over 100 years old and are a bit neglected.

"We have someone who comes around with a mower, but that can't get very close to the stones and they need strimming first.

"It's a lovely place, and we get quite a lot of people walking through.

"We are having the first meeting for this on Saturday, May 17, but I know that Saturday is an awkward day, so people can come whenever they want, for as long as they want to help out.

"Volunteers don't have to be church-goers."

For more information on the project, call 01254 873138.