A COMMUNITY has rallied round to clean-up a churchyard blighted by anti-social behaviour.

A team of volunteers collected about 40 bagfuls of rubbish, including needles and glass, from the site at Keighley Shared Church.

The initiative was part of wider efforts to improve the area, which has been plagued by drinkers and drug users.

Church bosses were joined in the project by organisations including Project 6, CGL, Bradford Council, the Airedale Shopping Centre and Keighley police, plus residents.

Alice Bentley, safer and stronger communities project officer with the council, said: "It was great to see so many volunteers from different areas of our community giving-up their time to help with the clean-up. It's true that many hands make light work.

"I hope we can do similar events in the future to keep our community spaces safe and clean."

Church warden Howard Carter said there was a determination to see the area transformed.

He added: "It is hoped that funding can be obtained to fence and secure the area, lower the gravestones and unsafe monuments and create a space that is safe, secure, attractive, open and welcoming."

Team rector, the Rev Mike Cansdale, was delighted with the success of the clean-up.

He said: "As Christians we are praying and working towards the renewal of our town and it's great to find others who want the same outcome.

"In the 20 months I've been team rector, it has been brilliant to see how these partnerships are flourishing.

"Behind the anti-social behaviour are ordinary people whose lives are damaged and broken, but just as we are repairing and cleaning-up the environment, so too I believe God wants to do the same in our lives."

Newly-arrived curate, the Rev Natasha Thomas, said the church was grateful to everyone who supported the clean-up.

"I've enjoyed meeting lots of lovely people and see so much potential for building community," she added.

Anybody wishing to get involved in future projects can contact her on 07887 707221.