VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help clean-up the inside of Marsden Hall, in Nelson, on Saturday.

The Friends of Marsden Park, officers from the council's parks department and volunteers are planning to clean out the former restaurant, still council-owned, in preparation for its renovation into a resource centre for local schools and other organisations.

The renovation is subject to a bid for lottery money being successful.

The work on Saturday will involve clearing up litter and removing unusable items, and packing and storing those items and materials which can be re-used.

Any members of the public interested in joining in are very welcome to meet at 10am at Marsden Hall, where gloves and protective clothing will be provided.

Fred Stewart, the council's Parks Outreach Officer, said: "The renovation is subject to a lottery bid being successful but we need to clear out and tidy the Hall.

"Any assistance from the public would be greatly appreciated. It's a good opportunity to meet new people as well. Volunteers just need to bring appropriate footwear."

Marsden Hall dates back to the 1500s and has been used for a variety of purposes -- its last as a restaurant, which closed three years ago.

There will be a meeting of the Friends of Marsden Park at 7pm on Monday at Marsden Hall Farm.