PEOPLE in the Gilesgate area of Durham are being urged to help in the tidying-up of a local beauty spot.

The Gilesgate and Pelaw branch of the Labour Party plans to tackle the rubbish mounting in the ravine spanned by the Silver Link Footbridge, in Gilesgate, on Saturday, May 4.

Local historian Michael Richardson, of Gilesgate, said: "A glacial ravine on the south side of Gilesgate Green, behind St Giles Close, is a forgotten beauty spot full of wildlife which is crossed by the Silver Link Footbridge linking Gilesgate with Pelaw Wood.

"This spot has been used as a dumping ground for shopping trolleys and stolen bikes.

"It was opened on April 12 in 1938 and is unusual as it was based on a larger bridge which spanned the Zambezi river.

"It was designed by the City of Durham surveyor and engineer Mr Green, and it was constructed by the Cleveland Bridge Company, of Darlington. A model of it still on permanent display in Durham Town Hall.''

The clean-up operation will take place between 10am and 12.30pm. Volunteers are asked to meet at 10am on Gilesgate Green. Children must be accompanied by their parents.

Volunteers are advised that they should wear old clothes, stout shoes and tough gloves.

For more information call Mr Richardson on 0191 384-1427.