A Garston man got an early 80th birthday present when a team of green aiders came and cleared his garden.

Tony Hare, who will celebrated the milestone birthday on Bank Holiday Monday, got his garden spruced up as part of the Watford Borough Council's free gardening scheme.

Green Aiders provide a one-off clearance service to elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents whose gardens have grown a bit out of hand.

Tony got a visit from the team of volunteers and staff from charity Groundwork, who helped make their gardens more manageable.

He said: "I was more than happy with the job that was done – they helped me a lot. They were very helpful and friendly, and took a great weight off my mind."

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said the scheme was aimed to give a helping hand to residents who can't afford a gardener.

She said: "It’s great that we can offer free help to the people who need it most. Our Green Aiders restore the clean, tidy greenness of gardens belonging to those who may need a little helping hand because they can’t afford their own gardener.

"The friendly helpers also take away any rubbish that may be cluttering up the space out there, and by the time they’re done, the gardens look amazing."

To arrange a Green Aiders visit, or to volunteer, contact Groundwork on 01707 260129 or email hertfordshire@groundwork.org.uk.

The scheme – funded by Watford Borough Council and run by Groundwork – will continue until at least March 31 next year.

The scheme is available to private home owners and private rented tenants.