GROUPS of volunteers have been helping to tidy up a churchyard.

The teenagers, volunteering as part of the National Citizens’ Service, offered help to St Nicholas Church, Church Hill, Laindon.

The group have been cutting the grass, digging flower beds and clearing up the graves.

Churchwarden Peter Hartgrove, 83, said he is pleased with the work.

The group approached the church and offered their services.

Mr Hartgrove said: “They wanted to help out and I thought what a great idea.

“It saves me doing the work and they have worked so hard.

“We had one group and then a second approached us.

“They are working for one week from 10am until 3pm.

“They are really transforming the churchyard at the moment and it makes such a great difference.”