VILLAGERS are being asked to lend a hand as council cuts threaten their picturesque surroundings.

As part of local authority budget cuts, council gardeners will no longer maintain flowerbeds and tubs around Heighington and Redworth.

Parish councillors – who have been working in the area in an attempt to plug the gap left by the council –have now appealed for volunteers to help them keep their villages beautiful by assisting with planting, weeding and watering.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Brian Anderson on 01325 311057 for more details.