VILLAGERS near Winchester have united to improve the quality of their rural environment.

People living in the Kings Worthy area have formed a group to look after the green spaces around their district.

The current project by the Worthys Conservation Volunteers is undertaking clearing of footpaths across the neighbourhood, especially on the former railway lines.

Connie Martyn, group secretary, said: "We try to look at all the green places in the area and see what we can do to help.

"The disused railway line runs up towards South Wonston. We are hoping to keep it clear, clearing away the rubbish and opening out the viewpoints."

Ms Martyn said the reaction had been favourable. "All the horse riders were saying the lanes look so much nicer. The main problem has been rubbish.

"We are trying to keep it down as much as we can. If people see somewhere is a tip they will keep making it a tip."

The WCV was set up about a year ago with help from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.