RESIDENTS, students and churchgoers have joined forces to clean up their quiet corner of Durham City.

Stephen Light, a member of the congregation at King's Church, organised 40 of his neighbours to spruce up Laburnum Park, known locally as Peskies Park.

The team has cut back the undergrowth, cleaned up the signs, tidied up the litter and painted the swings

Mr Light said: "The project started when a few students, who attend Kings Church, were saying that they wanted to put something back into the community.

"We found the park as we walked around the area and we then put together a questionnaire asking local residents if they used the park and what they might want done to improve it.

"Through this, we met the Crossgate Village Residents' Group, who really want to be involved in and take part in their local community. They were delighted to have students who also wanted to invest in the community.

"The groups who came do not often get the opportunity to talk and so the day was also a great bridge building exercise for all."