The Valley Conservation Society was delighted with the response from local residents who turned out for a work party at the Tovil Mill play area on Saturday.

VCS volunteer Dennis Usmar said: “There must have been 25 members of the public join us, including at least 10 children.”

The society is busy regenerating the area on behalf of Maidstone council’s parks department.

The site off Woodbridge Drive is being slowly transformed by removing the scrub and rubbish from the overgrown land and turning it into a green open space so the children can play safely.

On Saturday, the volunteers planted four large trees and created two new hedge rows.

Mr Usmar said: “We are always particularly keen to see children get involved with the planting. We hope that if they are involved in creating the area, they will feel a sense of ownership and help preserve it in the future.”

Local ward councillor Mike Hogg (Con) was among those to lend a hand.

*There will be fund-raising concert on behalf of the Valley Conservation Society at Boughton Monchelsea Village Hall on Friday, May 2, featuring a fish and chip supper and live music from Five In The Bar. Tickets are £12 from 01622 751926.