A VOLUNTEER group which has helped transform a Prescot park welcomed dozens of visitors as it threw a big picnic.

The Friends of Eaton Park have spent the past four years tirelessly working to improve the area, their efforts culminating in attaining Green Flag Status 18 months ago.

And the group held its biggest event yet, Picnic in the Park. The mayor of Prescot was there along with beauty queen 'Miss Prescot Elegance' Kirsty Hornby, cadet troops and others to help the first picnic event go down a storm.

The Friends are now looking to make it an annual event in their calendar.

Joanne Burke, of the Friends, said: "Picnic in the Park was a brilliant success.We would like to take the opportunity to thank every single person who came to our event.

"I also want all of the Friends, and Honorary Friends, to know how awesome I think they are: Jayne, Jean, Jen, Rosy, Mariangela, Debbie, Betty, Julie C, Julie B, Mark Burke, Marianne, Oonagh, Pat, Margaret, Hayley, Mal, Charlie, Suzanne, Col, Cora, Mary, Vie, Alun, Paul, Phoebe, Greg and Hannah. I am so proud to be a part of this group."

She added: "Also a big thanks to The mayor of Prescot, Miss Prescot, Graham the Singer, Aaron the Ranger, the Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums and the Community Police Force.

"A massive thanks to Steph the Community Champion and Carol who provided a huge amount of tombola prizes, the bread rolls and their time to face paint. It was our first event and we will be making it an annual affair."