I was looking forward to my first Newcastle Parks task today as I've heard so much about the great things other goodgymers have done for Mike and the rest of the team in the past!

Today it was a trip to Harbottle Park and I was joined by seasoned Newcastle-Parker and Double-Weekend-Missioner Paul (aka Mark)...

Our task was to help Mike clear the trees to above head height so it would be nice and clear for the event they are having on 31st August at the park. Afterwards we would clear away the litter that had gathered amongst the branches and leaves.

It was satisfying work, we both agreed, as it was very obvious how much we had managed to clear by the view that was revealed and the many truckloads of branches that we shifted.

After stopping for a quick cuppa and some sweet treats (but not the yellow iced ones for Paul because they're too lemony) , we got to the clearing.

Paul revealed he is very precise about his litter picking and can't leave anything behind, while the rest of us reveled at just how many cans of IRN BRU and varieties of liquor we had found...

We are back at Newcastle Parks on Saturday and Sunday in 3 weeks time. Just watch this space!

And if you're feeling green fingered and can't wait until then, our mission tomorrow will take us to Elliot House to help tidy the garden for Changing Lives.