VOLUNTEERS who work to keep Darlington’s public areas clean and attractive have urged more people to sign up.

An event to celebrate the work of the unsung volunteers will take place in South Park this weekend, where members new and old will be given the chance to have their say on ways to improve the town.

Darlington has a number of Street Champions who actively look out for and report environmental issues in their local area, such as litter, graffiti, fly tipping and dog fouling to the borough council.

A number of the town’s parks, including South Park and West Park, have Friends groups, who work alongside council staff to keep them looking their best.

Anyone who wants to have a more active role in Darlington is invited to attend the get together at the education centre in South Park on Saturday, May 3, from 10am. There will also be a litter pick in the park.

Litter picks, tree planting, bat walks and bird surveys are among the items suggested for discussion.

Darlington Borough Council’s StreetScene team and park rangers, as well as Durham Police’s Neighbourhood Watch and community safety teams will be on hand to discuss ideas and the work of the groups.