A PASSIONATE community volunteer in Trafford has had a park named in her honour.

Gorse Park, in Gorse Lane, was renamed Marje Kelly, in honour of the volunteer of that name who has dedicated four decades to improving Gorse Hill.

Marje, who is originally from Cumbria, volunteers with Gorgeous Gorse Hill, a local community group and volunteered her time to art and planting initiatives in the area.

To many of the community volunteers, Marje epitomises what a good citizen is and can be regularly seen about the area on litter picks, working with enforcement officers to improve the area, and tackling dog fouling.

Marje is also often seen maintaining planting spaces along Milton Road and refilling them with bulbs and flowers.

Marje said: “Having a park named after me is an absolute privilege. I love the outdoors and meeting lovely people. My name no doubt will be remembered in this park for years to come.”

Gorgeous Gorse Hill has been active as a community group for four years with support from residents. Supported by local councillors the group has developed innovative projects to benefit the whole community and rejuvenate neglected spaces.

Ruth Hannan, chairman of Gorgeous Gorse Hill said: “Marje is just marvellous, she shows so much love for where she lives, is so positive and has given thousands of volunteer hours to her local community.

“She used to walk her dog in the small park and was always tackling litter and dog fouling problems. We started informally calling it Marje’s Park and thought it would be a fitting tribute to her to get it renamed.”

Gorse Hill Councillor Mike Cordingley said: “I'm thrilled that we have been able to do this. It's testament to Marje and to the gorgeous people of Gorse Hill that the park should be named after someone who has given the park such devotion.”