BASILDON Council has acclaimed its recent campaign to find people to help with parks across the borough a great success.

The council says: "There are so many benefits to volunteering; from meeting new people, getting to enjoy the outdoors, and really making an impact in your local community.

"We have had an amazing response to our parks volunteering scheme and would like to thank everyone who's expressed their interest so far.

"Over the next few weeks, our Parks Team will be going through all of the volunteering applications received to contact those who have been in touch with further information. If you'd like to find out more or apply to become a countryside volunteer, please get in touch.

"A bank holiday weekend means that our fantastic parks and open spaces are likely to be quite busy. Our staff will be emptying bins more regularly this weekend but if a bin is full, please take your rubbish home with you.

"Please remember to follow national lockdown restrictions when visiting our parks, observing social distancing guidelines to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

"Meeting outside is currently permitted with one other household or within the rule of six only."