Volunteer appeal for competition clean up

Community-minded volunteers are being called on to give an East Durham village a spring clean in a bid to scoop a top award.
 
Horden received a highly commended silver award in last year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition but villagers are hoping their call to action will help them strike gold this year.

Spring judging for the competition is due to take place on Monday, 21 April and community leaders have organised a clean-up day in preparation.

Everyone who lives and works in the village is being asked to lend a hand by weeding flowerbeds, sweeping paths and gutters and picking up litter this Friday.

The day of action, which will run from 10am to 2pm, is being supported by District of Easington Council’s Pride in Easington campaign.

Michelle Morton, Pride in Easington Officer, said: “In the past, the Horden in Bloom project has been led by the parish council, however, this time round it is the community that is leading the effort.

“The aim is to build on last year’s success and it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in the effort.”

Preparation for judging day kicked off earlier this month when children, parents and staff from Yohden Primary School carried out a clean up of Cotsford Lane and planted up dozens of spring bulbs in the school grounds.

Youngsters at Cotsford Infants School, meanwhile, will be doing their bit by maintaining their school garden and helping to keep the area around the school clean and tidy.

Volunteers who would like to take part in the day of action should register at Horden Welfare Hall where they will be assigned a task and provided with the necessary equipment and safety information.

Judging for the Northumbria in Bloom competition takes place in two stages, with the judges visiting each location in spring and returning in the summer.

On Monday, community members Billy Hill and Isabelle Robbins will be leading the judging party on a tour of the village, when the judges will consider the general cleanliness of the area and the display of spring bulbs.