VOLUNTEERS across Worcester have spent 2,637 hours sprucing up and improving the city in 2015 - with civic leaders lauding their contribution.

More than 100 people have helped tidy up parks and open spaces, operate allotments, stage community events and do conservation work for free.

The effort is a 500-hour increase in 2014, the equivalent of 109 days non-stop work unpaid.

The city council says the voluntary work saves taxpayers at least £18,000 from the maintenance of parks and open spaces.

Councillor Roger Knight, the Mayor of Worcester, said: "We realise in terms of the contribution volunteers make to this city, the number of hours recorded in our parks is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Thousands of additional hours are being contributed by local people every month to support charities, befriend vulnerable people and assist at major events like the Worcester City Run.

"I’d like to thank every single volunteer for their contribution this year to make Worcester more attractive, welcoming and vibrant."

A reception took place at the Guildhall on Thursday to celebrate the contribution they have made to the city.

Jane Moorhouse, the vice-chair of Arboretum Residents Association, was one of those to receive special recognition at the event.

The group have organised street cleans, family events and help out with monthly litter picks along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

She said: "I really believe you only get as much out of your local community as you put in.

"I moved to Worcester two years ago and think it’s a fantastic city, I was keen to get involved and gain a great deal of personal satisfaction from volunteering."

The figures come on the back of the Act Local project, which is led by Worcestershire County Council and aimed at promoting volunteers.

County Hall has a register of more than 4,300 people who help services function and under the marketing theme, wants to grow it further.

That includes the recruitment of so-called 'digital champions' who actively go into homes and help elderly and vulnerable people use the internet.

Bus drivers on Dial-A-Ride services and libraries also benefit hugely from them, as do the footpaths through the filling up of grit bins and hedge trimming.