Beavers chip in to help improve South Shields park

The Friends of West Park have been working tirelessly to raise the funds needed to rejuvenate the bandstand as well as carry out improvement work in the area.

The group secured a £2,000 grant from the Greggs Foundation to help with the woodland trail, while £8,000 was handed over by Tesco from its Bags of Help scheme towards the renovation.

Beavers from the 22nd Brownsea Beavers South Shields branch have also pitched in to help members reach the £10,000 total they need to complete work to the bandstand.

The youngsters held a cake sale and tombola raising £176, which has been handed over to the friends group.

The group of 24 six-year-olds have also been out and about in the park helping to plant bulbs and laying woodchip on pathways.

Beaver leader, Lynn Curtin, said: “The beavers were delighted to have raised the £176 for the Friends of West Park and that it’s going towards helping to revamp the bandstand.

“They have been in the park helping to plant bulbs and laying the woodchip, they love that they are helping the community.”

Coun Anne Hetherington who is also a member of the Friends of West Park, said: “The Beavers approached us to see if they could help and we were delighted at what they have achieved.

“The money they have raised is fantastic and we are really grateful for the support from the Beavers and for choosing to raise money for us as well as from the wider community.”

The cheque was handed over to the Friends of West Park by the youngsters during a special event held at the park attended by the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside Coun Richard Porthouse and his wife Patricia.

The 22nd Brownsea Beavers are based at St Mary’s and St Martin’s Church Hall in Whiteleas.