A GROUP of volunteers is making a difference by cleaning-up areas of Windhill.

As part of Make a Difference (MAD) Week, organised by the Shipley Salvation Army, a team of 80 volunteers is leading activities and tidy days to help the community.

MAD Week runs until Thursday and kicked off with a family fun day on Saturday, which attracted more than 450 people.

And on Sunday, ward councillor Susan Hinchcliffe (Lab) was special guest at an event to officially start the week.

Graham Phillips, corps sergeant major at Shipley Salvation Army and event organiser, said an event like MAD Week could help strengthen relationships.

He said: "We are just trying to serve the community and be as helpful in the community as we can.

"There are about 80 volunteers and it's all part of networking and building community links. They are quite hard to build up, they don't just happen. If we do practical things to improve the community, it helps build up links.

"Building community spirit is absolutely vital. Some of our volunteers are from Bingley and Baildon.

"Churches should be at the heart of the community and, alongside other volunteers, they can make a real improvement.

"In the mornings, work groups have been going out into our community to serve in any way we can."

Projects during MAD Week include helping at events in Windhill Park and clearing a community allotment in Windhill and a community garden at High Crags Primary School.

Community activities include litter picking, gardening and shopping for the elderly residents.

There has also been a quiz and film night and The Salvation Army has staged a daily pause for thought at its Rhodes Place hall at 5.30pm. A cafe is also running at the same location, from 9am to 2pmeach day.

MAD Week culminates on Friday with a family fun day at Windhill Community Centre, Church Street from 9am to 2pm.