Nearly 150 people flocked to Burnt Oak last Sunday to plant flowers, clean up litter, and paint over graffiti as part of ITV show the Big Clean-Up.

Barnet Homes teamed up with Community Service Volunteers (CSV) and youth charity V to clean the children's playground in Silkstream Park and plant 12 new flowerbeds.

Volunteers gathered together in the morning at Silkstream Park with parishioners from the Burnt Oak Christian Fellowship Church, in Oakleigh Avenue, Edgware, who cut short their morning service to arrive on time.

Pastor Ade Abiodun said: "It was a wonderful experience for everyone, the whole community.

"We painted fences that had graffiti all over them and tended to the park. It was a wonderful day with many of our young people there, and it shows the importance of cleaning up the environment. We love the community and care about the environment."

Ten members of staff from Barnet Homes also volunteered, along with members of the Burnt Oak Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

PC Graeme Day said: "The fear of crime in Burnt Oak is pretty high, but the actual crime figures are not that high, so cleaning it up and getting rid of graffiti makes the place feel safer. We had some very good feedback from residents and it has gone some way in reducing the fear of crime. It was great for all the community."

Rebecca Wilkinson, who organised the day on behalf of CSV, said: "It was a fabulous day. There were lots of young people and everyone got involved. There really was a great atmosphere with some kids walking past and pitching in."

Graffiti-covered fences by Silkstream Road flats were painted over with colourful and creative designs and the day ended with a free barbecue for the volunteers.

The Big Clean-Up will be screened on ITV on October 24. For more information about volunteering in the area visit www.csv.org.uk