WEEDS are being pulled out and grass is being mown in an effort to beautify Hoddlesden Cemetery.

Volunteers at St Paul's C of E Church had been doing their best to keep the cemetery in Johnson New Road neat.

But a group has arrived from Community Payback, part of the Lancashire probation service, armed with heavy equipment to get the job finished.

This week until Thursday, different groups of probationers from around Blackburn and Darwen are pruning branches, tidying areas around gravestones, cutting back rhododendrons and cleaning benches.

The church contacted Community Payback for help through the probabtion service following a suggestion from East Rural councillor Julie Slater, who wanted to see the cemetery restored.

She said she was delighted with the work she had seen.

"They've done an amazing job so far," she said. "I just cannot believe the difference."