A BIG clean up to make Dawlish ‘sparkle’ has begun.

Made up of a group of volunteers, the Dawlish Sparkles crew is intent on getting the town looking its best after more than a year of upheaval and disruption while South West Water carried out the major improvement scheme.

The volunteer band is made up of members of Dawlish Chamber of Trade and Commerce, business and town councillors who have a list of jobs with the aim of now improving what is above the ground.

A chamber spokesman said: ‘A new group of local volunteers, is coming together to take pride in our town.

‘From restoring the bandstand to freshening up benches along the brook, this is all about keeping Dawlish looking its best for residents and visitors alike.

‘This is just the beginning - small actions, done together, make a big difference.

‘If you love Dawlish and want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

‘Let’s keep our town shining.’

So far work has involved various small jobs around the Lawn and cleaning the directional signage.

Two steps leading from the Strand down to the Lawn have been weeded and washed down.

Professional painter and decorator Dave Luscombe has been giving the bandstand, which was in need of some attention, a spruce up helped by Sean Nicks from the Shoe Centre.

Historian David Force has also been involved deadheading the hydrangeas around Jubilee Bridge.

Volunteers have also been out weeding and litter picking around the Lawn area.

The chamber said: ‘We are delighted that so many people from our community have expressed an interest in joining the Dawlish Sparkles team, we will be putting a list of tasks together shortly and will then appeal for volunteers to come and join us.’

Town councillor Linda Petherick said: ‘We are so lucky to have people who want to volunteer and make our town look at its best.

‘The community are so lucky thank you so much for your hard work.’