RESIDENTS of Penhill were asked how to improve their environment at a series of green-themed events held around the area.

At each of the events, residents were invited to complete a questionnaire focusing on the use of green spaces in the area and improvements that could be made to enhance quality of life and regenerate Penhill in a joint initiative launched by community groups.

Events included a tabletop sale at St Peter's Church, overseen by the Rev Steven Waters.

He said: "We are joining with groups in Penhill to persuade people in the area to think about the place where they live.

"People criticise Penhill, but there is a lot of work being done to make it a better place to live. It is all about encouraging people to have their say."

Other events being held as part of the environmental awareness day also included a community day in Penhill Orchard where volunteers were helping to build a fence and tend to a newly planted field of apple trees.

One of those helping to build thefence around the orchard was Bob Elwood, 56, who is chairman of Penhill Forum.

He said: "I moved to Penhill at the age of five and I was among the first few families to settle into the area.

"There is a growing number of people who are fighting to improve things around here and creating this orchard here in the Seven Fields Conservation area is part of that.

"Kids come up to us and ask us what we are doing and we explain that we are planting a load of apple trees for them.

"They seem amazed that anyone would want to do anything for them. It may take a long time, but we are making a difference."

At Minety Road Rec, children were encouraged along to play on a bouncy castle, and also asked for their views on what permanent play equipment they would like to see on the site.

And other events on the day included a sale of cut price compost bins at the John Moulton Hall on Penhill Drive and a guided walk along the Groundwell Brook.