RESPONSIBILITY for a pets' corner in an Altrincham park is to be officially handed over to a community group.

The Friends of John Leigh Park (FoJLP) was set up by Altrincham resident, Dave Jolley, after it was revealed that Trafford Council would cease to fund the attraction as part of a package of savings announced earlier this year.

Following an article in Messenger, Dave set up the Friends group in the hope it could take over the running of the park's aviary, but the response has been so overwhelming that the group now has 120 subscribing members and has expanded its work into the larger park.

The group even has a retired vet and veterinary nurse on board, in the form of Sandy and Janet Weipers, who used to run a practice on Barrington Road, Altrincham.

FoJLP has also taken on some birds from the pets' corner in Longford Park, Stretford, which has also been saved from closure, but has now closed its aviary.

The John Leigh Park aviary currently boasts around 60 birds, including buggies, cockatiels and zebra finches, which Friends members will take turns to feed and look after according to a rota.

The council still officially runs the pets' corner and will continue to look after the park itself, but will officially hand over to the Friends in a ceremony on September 27.

MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Graham Brady, will hoist the the group's new flag, while the groups chairman, Alan Rydout, Sarah Walmsley, from Our Altrincham, and Judie Collins, of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, will make speeches.

There will also be a performance from Bowdon Prep School Choir and a fanfare fromAltrinchamBoys Brigade.

A buffet will be provided at the nearby Wheatsheaf pub post-event.

The ceremony itself begins at 11am.

Email friendsofjohnleighpark@gmail.com for more information.