HOLMEPRIDE emerged when a group of around 25 people met in a pub in Holmfirth to see how we as residents could improve our town which was the back drop of the TV sitcom "Last of the Summer Wine".

Even to this day, visitors come from around the world to enjoy seeing all the sites and travelling on the Summer Wine Tour Bus from the town centre.

Following our meeting in February 2017, people went out to do there own things, a window cleaning company went out and cleaned loads of algae from road signs, hundreds of cable ties were removed from street posts, the River Holme was cleared of rubbish, many litter picking took place around our parks and beauty spots. A child's bike which was dumped in the river was returned to the owner from where it was stolen from.

Since then, Public Footpaths have been cleared and continue to be so, walls have been uncovered of ivy and brambles allowing people to walk along them safely. Park bins and railings have been painted at volunteers own cost, including hundreds of black bags.

We are looking for funding to keep this part of the Holme Valley in West Yorkshire special for the many "Last of the Summer Wine" fans and local residents alike.

The funds will go towards our own protection in the form of High Visibility jackets, litter pickers, painting materials and a few printed T shirts to encourage others when they see volunteers about helping the town.

We would like to get schools involved in going out as a school group litter picking, so hopefully they won't get into a habit of dropping litter in the street or park.

So I'm hoping to raise enough money by September to start this activity with local schools after the summer holidays.

We will need about 40 child sized and 10 adult sized litter pickers of appropriate sizes for all. These will then be retained by Holmepride and used for subsequent school trips each year.

Any donations received above £500 will be put to very good use around Holmfirth and every penny will be advised on what it will be spent on and who benefits and aimed to improve amenities for all in our town.

Donations from local business can make a huge difference and improvements around the town centre will enhance the enjoyment of visitors experience throughout the year.

Lets keep our "Last of the Summer Wine" town special for everyone.