Teams of volunteers from Diss churches will be taming unruly gardens and collecting shopping next month as part of a nationwide Hope '08 initiative. The teams will be working together in their communities to benefit people who need help with anything from mending a fence to cleaning a window.

Teams of volunteers from Diss churches will be taming unruly gardens and collecting shopping next month as part of a nationwide Hope '08 initiative.

The teams will be working together in their communities to benefit people who need help with anything from mending a fence to cleaning a window. And church leaders at Diss are inviting local residents to register requests for assistance before May 19.

Adrian Roy of Diss Christian Community Church said: “We are trying to shop people what we stand for rather than what we are against - and we are for kindness, generosity and compassion.”

The event takes place during the half-term week of May 26, and will see a visit from a team of young people from Hope 08, including a graffiti artist and street dancer. They will be working with schools and facilitating workshops as part of the initiative. Diss Park pavilion will also be given a facelift including the painting of a new mural.

The week climaxes on Saturday May 31 with a party in the park featuring local musicians, face painting, bouncy castles and other attractions.

For more information and to request help, contact Mr Roy on 01379 644223.