VOLUNTEERS who keep Colchester’s beauty spots in shape have been awarded £6,443 to support their work.

Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers, based at High Woods Country Park, is one of six groups in Colchester and Tendring to benefit from a £213,118 Big Lottery Fund shareout across the region.

The grant will be used to train its 80 volunteers who help to look after 1,000 acres of land, spread over 16 sites.

Michael Taylor, from the rangers’ group, said: “Our volunteers will be going on courses so they can help the full-time staff and do a few of the jobs which take up such a lot of their time.

“Courses will include learning hedge-laying, how to use a brush cutter, trimmer and a wood chipper correctly and first aid.

“People frequently bring in leaves, berries and flowers to the centre and ask us what they are so, some volunteers will also be doing courses in identifying trees and flowers, to give us all more knowledge to help others.”

The rangers’ other duties include checking fishing permits, collecting litter, tree planting, maintenance work and leading guided walks.

Lexden Springs School in Colchester was awarded £10,000, while Clacton Community Projects was awarded £10,000 to restore and improve six public gardens, managed by Tendring Council.

Pierre Oxley, chairman of the group, said: “We will be working with the council to look at the schedule of work and look to improve the trees, benches, hedges – everything at the sites.

“We are very pleased to have got such a large amount of money.”

Clacton Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society was given £8,000 towards a new minibus, adapted to the needs of its members, for trips and to transport MS sufferers for treatment.

Treasurer Linda Rooney said the bus was due to arrive by the beginning of December.

She said: “We are really pleased and surprised that we got the money.”

The Create Connections Community Interest Company has been given £8,350 to run creative workshops which bring the community together.

Wix Parish Council was given a £5,000 grant to clear an allotment site. Work will start on Monday.

The 15-plot allotment will be used by villagers to grow produce and the council hopes to get Wix and Wrabness Primary School involved with activities on the site.