AN ORCHARD has been planted in a bid to brighten up a park.

More than 70 members of the community helped create an orchard at Goodmayes Park Extension, in Goodmayes Lane, on Saturday.

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Gurdial Bhamra, leader of the council Cllr Jas Athwal and Cllr Kam Rai, cabinet member for finance and resources, were among those in attendance during the day, which was hosted by the Trees For Cities charity.

The aim of the day was to brighten up the green space in a bid to give it a stronger identity.

An allotment will also be built in the park later in the year for members of the community to use.

Mr Rai said: “The planting went fantastically well.

“The hope is that residents will make better use of the park so it becomes more of a local destination.

“What we have now is an open area with a better identity and we would love to hear ideas about renaming Goodmayes Park extension.”