A TEAM of volunteers has carried out work to breath new life into one of Nelson’s favourite parks – and others are being urged to follow in their wake by Pendle leisure bosses.

No fewer than 30 employees of Earby-based Cottages4You and sister companies descended on Marsden Park to give the venue a mid-summer spruce-up, under the direction of parks staff.

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Not only did they engage in litter picking, painting the pavilion and overhauling the railings around Marsden but groups also went out on patrol to do odd jobs around the tennis courts and bowling green.

Cllr Nadeem Ahmed, cabinet member with responsibility for parks, said: “We welcome individuals and groups helping out in all our parks. It can make a big difference.

“They can work alongside our park keepers and friends groups and I would urge anyone interested to get in touch with our staff.”

The park has seen a number of recent changes, including the introduction of a new multi-use games area and a new lease of life for Marsden Old Hall, the centrepiece of the grounds.

Ellie Ianette, the vice president of technical services for the cottages company, which is part of US-based Wyndham Rentals, said: “We’re passionate about supporting our local communities and as a holiday company we enjoy being in the great outdoors.

“This exercise has brought together colleagues from different parts of our company, and from across the UK, Ireland and America.

“We thought it would be good to improve our environment and give something back to the community.”

Lee Parker, a senior parks keeper, said: “The company offered to help us out as part of a team-building day and it’s been great having them around.”

Those interested in taking part in similar activities are being urged to contact the council’s parks team on: 01282 661984.

Cllr Ahmed added: “I hope that other local businesses will consider a team-building day in one of our parks “We can offer supervision from our experienced park keepers and it makes for a really rewarding day.”