VOLUNTEERS turned out in force to take part in a clean up of Devizes.

More than 100 people from toddlers to pensioners from the church group The Noise wore their trademark t-shirts as they cleared gardens, removed rubble and rubbish, painted benches, picked apples and did deep cleans.

Co-ordinator Jenny Jones said: "The Noise Devizes celebrated its third event by enabling volunteers to enjoy the chance to work together and make a real difference to the lives of those who will benefit.

"As one team deep cleaned the Alzheimer’s Support Day centre in Sidmouth Street other teams got stuck in preparing a site for tree planting at The Trinity Academy on Quaker’s Road, clearing overgrowth from Southbroom St James’ Academy and local gardens, interior painting and decorating, supporting the work of The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Sustainable Devizes at Drews Pond Woods by picking apples and painting tables and benches for others to enjoy.

"These inclusive all age events enabled even the youngest volunteers to learn to better respect our environment and the benefits of team work."

“The Noise is what happens after we’ve left as people really notice us working so hard and tell others about the difference it’s made to their lives. "One grateful recipient of a transformed garden responded immediately by saying “I just can’t believe people would do that for me."

The Noise Devizes is a joint churches initiative, spearheaded by St James’ Church, and is supported by The Lion’s Club, Devizes Town Council, Aster Group and a number of local businesses.

Noise Devizes events can be found on the website www.thenoisedevizes.org.uk