Hardy volunteers set aside free time to enjoy a bit of park life

The working party was made up of friends of Thornes Park in Wakefield and members of the 17th Outwood Scouts group.

The group did some tree planting alongside the Wakefield District Tree Wardens volunteers, as well as pruning and tidying.

The group behind the clean-up, the Friends of Clarence, Holmfield and Thornes Parks – CHaT – now has hundreds of supporters.

The three parks are all in one location and are generally simply called Thornes Park.

Chairman of the Friends, Ian Deighton, said: “We have hundreds of members now and the parks are going through something of a renaissance.

“More and more people are using the park, not just for jogging and walking the dogs. We have people playing sports such as baseball.”

Last year Thornes Park was granted Grade II listed status by English Heritage.

Mr Deighton said the aviary and miniature railway were popular with children across the city.

The aviary, which was rebuilt in 2012, is divided into three sections and contains golden pheasants, quail and cockatiels.

Anyone who wants to get involved in park life can contact Mr Deighton on 01924 314222.