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Cllr Mark Hackett, with helpers, clearing up

The Friends of Blackley Forest were out in force on Sunday to spring clean the woodland which became Manchester's first community forest when local residents planted it in November 1953.

In the last three years Manchester City council has been undertaking an improvement programme including woodland management, footpath work, fencing repairs and new signage.

Blackley Forest, which is part of the Red Rose forest, is a site of biological importance and it is hoped that once the improvements are completed it will be awarded Local Nature Reserve status.

The friends group was formed in November 1999 by local people to maintain and improve the area in partnership with Manchester City Council and the Red Rose Forest.

Local councillor Alan Spinks praised the group's commitment and hoped more people in the community would join in future activities.

He said: "This is a beautiful place but it needs some work. With the new Friends of Blackley forest there is a great opportunity for getting local people involved in its rejuvenation.

"There is some way to go but this exercise marks a great step forward and I hope that the spring clean will be the first of many community action days to come."