VOLUNTEER members of the Stanford Blooming Marvels gardening group who maintain flower beds and planters throughout the town were getting their hands dirty today with a first stint of weeding and pruning.

The group, which has its own Facebook page, is currently preparing beds for the first round of planting in the spring.

Anyone who would like to help can contact organiser Lin Swords via the Facebook page - and in particular is is hoped that someone may be able to help with the maintenance of the wooden planters.

Lin Swords and Mayor Cllr James Hebb.

Recently the Marvels received a donation of £200 from the Mayor of Thurrock's fund and Lin was on hand to receive it in the compnay of the mayor, Cllr James Halden, and ward councillor Shane Hebb.