Trainee sailors from HMS Raleigh have planted daffodils and bluebells, helping the Saltash Waterside Residents Association at Elwell Woods, where they also cut back brambles and overgrowth.

HMS Raleigh instructor Petty Officer Ricky Abram-Giles said: ‘These trainees are part of Crean Division, our rehabilitation unit for anyone who has suffered injury or illness during training. It’s good for them to have a break from their day-to-day routine at HMS Raleigh and great to re-establish links between HMS Raleigh and Saltash.’

Elwood Woods was used to store construction plant for the road bridge over the River Tamar. It was closed to the public and forgotten about for over 50 years, until the project giving it a new lease of life was started in 2009.

A grant from the National Lottery helped to transform the neglected wasteland into two acres of community woodland with the iconic Cornish Cross forming the centrepiece of the project.

Jim Ellison, Chairman of the Saltash Waterside Association said: ‘The Raleigh team has been great. I think they’ve quite enjoyed helping.’