THE hard work of the Okement Rivers Improvement Group has received a boost thanks to the Waitrose Community Matters scheme.

Volunteers from the ORIG received a cheque for £409 from Sonia Kelly from Waitrose to support the work of the group.

Volunteers with the group give up their spare time to maintain the river, clearing river banks, removing dead trees and planting new ones, and maintaining paths and walkways so that people can enjoy the beauty of the two rivers running through Okehampton.

Among the major projects undertaken by the group include the installation of the viewing platform , wooden fencing and benches beside the river behind Lidl, and clearing Clapps Wood of overgrown laurel and dangerous trees to create a footpath between Westbridge Close to Lodge Hill, which should be opened within the next few months.

Launched in 2008, the Community Matters Initiative has donated more than £3 million to a range of charities and community groups. Using tokens at the till, customers decide how to distribute a £1,000 monthly total between three local charities and organisations.

The ORIG has recently recruited three new volunteers, but is always on the lookout for more.

If you would like to help, you can call Christine Marsh on 07881 802055 or by enquiring at Okehampton Town Hall.