AN MP enlisted a mini army of volunteers to tackle two much-needed clean-up projects in Heckmondwike.

Batley and Spen MP Kim Leadbeater worked alongside a team involving volunteer group Keep Hecky Tidy, Heckmondwike councillors, police officers, young genealogist George Hall and members of her constituency staff team.

They got stuck into stripping away brambles and overgrown vegetation at the Upper Independent Chapel on High Street, to uncover graves and monuments.

Some of the group then joined members of Sustrans - an active travel charity and custodians of the National Cycle Network - along with volunteers from Spen Valley Civic Society, at the Spen Valley Greenway off Station Lane to clear more vegetation, debris and carry out a litter pick.

Ms Leadbeater said: “It was a fantastic morning’s work in Heckmondwike from an amazing bunch of volunteers.

"The cemetery is large and very overgrown, but we made a great start. It will be a long job so I’d encourage anyone to lend a hand if they can spare an hour or two. We will be back at both sites in the New Year.

“I’m grateful to everyone who turned up to wield a shovel or a pair of secateurs, and to both Kirklees Council and Natural Kirklees for the loan of tools and equipment.”

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