A group of volunteers got their hands dirty by helping plant a fresh row of native hedges.

The Friends of Cliffe Road Park, Frindsbury, teamed up with Medway Council, council contractors Medway Norse and others.

The friends organised the scheme to provide a nicer environment for the surrounding houses and to bring the local community together.

More than 20 people lent a hand in planting 150 bushes in the play area.

Jenny Holliday, Friends of Cliffe Road Park co-ordinator, said: "It was following a previous planting day we had last year around the same time, it was really to build on that and to improve the area.

"We wanted to plant more hedges and trees to make a more pleasant view for the area, make it a nicer place to be and bring the community together.

"We really wanted to bring residents together to improve the area.

"We also wanted to improve the environment and community area.

"In my opinion, the planting of the hedges and the trees really encourages residents in the community who want to get together but don't really have a huge part to play to get involved."

Jenny was also a driving force behind Medway's first dementia garden at Medway Maritime Hospital.

She added: "The planting threads into my mission to encourage communities across Medway to get out and interact with the green spaces as part of the five ways to wellbeing, which is also my vision for Cliffe Road Park."

Cllr Stephen Hubbard (Lab), who represents Strood North, was one of those who joined in.

He said: "This was a really fun event. I really enjoyed working with the community and being outside and hands on in nature.

"It was a pleasure to work alongside the local mums and their children in planting these native hedges, which when mature will bring much-needed green diversity to this play area gem.

"We are looking for more volunteers to water the new hedges, so please contact me or the Friends of Cliffe Road Park if you’re able to get involved."

If you would like to volunteer please contact the Friends via their Facebook page.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway