Volunteers across Maldon have worked thousands of hours to clear up open spaces a cemeteries across the district.

Maldon District Council's Countryside and Coast volunteers and Community Payback teams have spent 5,000 hours in the past year, working on projects to improve the environment throughout the area.

At Maldon Cemetery in London Road, new paths have been created and tree crowns lifted to improve vision and light, thousands of bulbs and wildflowers have been seeded in the old woodland area.

In Burnham Cemetery off Cobbins Chase, volunteers have removed brambles and improved paths.

There were also a host of open spaces that also received a makeover.

Elms Farm Park in Heybridge's lake bank was reinstated using bundles off hazel, back filled with soil.

Hester Place in Burnham was also transformed by volunteers, who removed brambles and ivy and planting new trees, more bulbs and wildflowers.

Bird boxes will be created in the future also.

Henry Bass, the outgoing council chairman, who had the opportunity to see first-hard what has been done, said: “We are really proud of the hard work of our local volunteers; their efforts make such a difference to our open and green spaces, making them better for people and wildlife.

"Volunteering is a key part of local communities, providing valuable services, attractions and events, promoting heritage, social engagement and much more.

"It is also very rewarding and enriches the lives of people who take part.”

Community projects were also undertaken at Wickham Bishops, as well as beach litter picks at Heybridge Creek, Osea causeway and Bradwell.