STORM Doris wasn’t able to stop hardy volunteers from working to protect Heybridge from flooding last week.

Members of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Essex planted more than 250 trees and a number of Blackthorn and Hawthorn hedges as part of flood alleviation work in Wagtail Drive, Heybridge.

The trees and bushes will grow into a reinforcing barrier from flood water, as well as providing a habitat for wildlife.

The volunteers were joined by officers from Maldon District Council as they carried out the work.

Councillor Ron Pratt, chairman of community services, said: “This is the latest of several tasks and projects that have been carried out with TCV in the last year across the district.

“Other volunteer days have included tasks such as coastal litter picks, reed bed maintenance, pond restorations and woodland management.

“The Council’s countryside and coast team are developing an ongoing program and collaborating with TCV on funding applications to increase community participation in our parks and open spaces.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with TCB should contact essex@tcv.org.uk.