VOLUNTEERS have worked together to give the oldest cemetery in Flintshire some much-needed attention.

Flint Coastguard Rescue Team told the Leader that they were asked by Friends of the Northop Road Cemetery, a local resident’s group in Flint, to help give some TLC to a local cemetery.

Peter Metcalfe, who formed the resident’s group, said: “Having done a lot of historical research on the cemetery, I wanted to continue the work that Flintshire Council started and so I formed the Friends Group, of which I am Chair.

“We currently have around a dozen members and have already had several meetings. However, we are keen to encourage more people to get involved. We are now actively looking to raise funds and sponsorships to fund the plan of works that we have drawn up.”

On Saturday, May 18, the coastguard joined teams of volunteers to help the group where work has been well underway tending to many of the old headstones that have been covered from ivy, weeds and other debris.

Also joining the volunteers was Tommy Probert - the Fire Station Watch Manager in Flint for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Flint Coastguard Station Officer Garry Jones said: “Today was an excellent turnout by all for a worthy cause, we were delighted to have been able to help and we look forward to future meetings.”

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Countryside, Cllr Carolyn Thomas, said: “The cemetery had become somewhat neglected and overgrown, so, we undertook a programme of works that included tree removal, hedge works, restoration of some memorials and installed new fencing.

“The feedback we have had has been extremely positive and we are delighted that Peter Metcalfe, offered to establish a ‘Friends Group’. We have supported the group as much as we can and have already supplied them with a range of tools.”

For any more information about the group, or to help with any future plans, contact Peter on northoproadcemetery@gmail.com or 07469 732150.