People are being encouraged to give an hour of their time each week to help restore the grounds of Helston’s parish churchyard, starting this Friday.

The town council has recently taken over responsibility for the grounds of St Michael’s Church, from Cornwall Council.

New general maintenance and groundsman Ian Moore has already begun working on it, but town councillor Dave Potter is now asking local residents to step forward and help also.

He said: “If many people give a small amount of their time, we can achieve a lot.

“I anticipate that, with an active group of volunteers meeting regularly, we should see a noticeable difference to the churchyard over the coming months."

The plan is to meet every Friday, between 10am and 11am, starting this week. Under the guidance of Ian, volunteers can then help with general gardening tasks.

Anyone interested in helping out is asked to email d.potter@helston-tc.gov.uk or just turn up on the day. People are free to bring their own gardening tools such as rakes, trowels and secateurs, but are asked to leave any powered tools at home.