DEDICATED volunteers looking to create a sensory garden in their village are seeking more people to join their hard-working team.

The call comes from The Village Volunteers, who have been working to improve Holmes Chapel since 2000.

“The group was set up to carry out two activities – litter picking and maintaining the borders and planters in the middle of the village,” said group leader John Clowes.

“The aim was to bring together residents interested in keeping the village looking at its best and attractive throughout the year, and since then the group have met regularly to spruce up the village.

“The gardening jobs involve planting up the borders and planters with a mixture of annuals and other plants in the spring and autumn as well as weeding and keeping the beds tidy throughout the year.

“Over the years there have been a number of improvement projects.

“Currently there is a plan to improve an area between Holmes Chapel Fire Station and the precinct to create a sensory garden with plants to appeal to all the senses – touch, smell, sight and smell.

“The Holmes Chapel Partnership will fund this project, and once completed the Village Volunteers will maintain the planting so it develops into a pleasant oasis for the community and especially those with time to sit and enjoy.

“Some of the original members of the group are still active but there is always a need for more helpers.

“If you have an hour or two on the second Sunday morning each month – 10am to 12noon - or on the third Monday evening – 6pm to 7pm - in the summer, you will be most welcome.

“We supply the tools and all we need are volunteers who can spare a small amount of time to make the village look good.

“We work on a very informal basis as we firmly believe volunteering should be a happy and pleasant experience, providing an opportunity to meet with other like-minded people.

“We appreciate that people’s busy lives mean they cannot always commit to attending every planned session, and where this is the case members are of course free to turn out as and when they can.

The next session is on Sunday, April 8. No skill is required, and you can choose to litter pick or garden with one of the teams.

If you would like to know more contact Mr Clowes on 07957 860 295 or parish@johnclowes.co.uk