COUNCILLORS planted trees at a Southend park as part of a campaign to improve the town's appearance.

Make Southend Sparkle is a council-led initiative supporting groups, businesses and residents who want to make their area greener and cleaner.

Participants are being encouraged to take pride in the town and tackle areas plagued with litter and fly tipping.

Councillors have played their part by planting trees at Bonchurch Park, in Bonchurch Avenue.

Mary Betson, councillor responsible for enterprise, said: “We are extremely proud of our borough so we are thrilled to officially launch this new Make Southend Sparkle campaign.

“Southend is already a wonderfully green borough with five Green Flag-status parks and award-winning beaches, so we want to build on these achievements even further.

“Everyone can play their part in this community effort. We would like to encourage residents and businesses to take a look at their immediate area and team up to – for instance - perk up a tired front garden, tackle a neglected alleyway or clear up some stray litter."