Pensioner gives park gates and railings a paint job

23/09/2009

A pensioner from Devon has splashed out thousands of pounds to rejuvenate a neglected public garden - including giving the gates and railings a much-needed spruce up - in a tribute to his late wife.

Ron Pike, 69, was granted permission by Torbay Council to create a rose bed at Bonsey Gardens in Brixham as a memorial to his wife Jean, the Herald Express reports.

However, he was so disgusted by the state of the small park that he decided to hire helpers to repaint the benches, railings and gate, as well as paying for a pressure washer to clean the path.

"The paths were filthy, the seats were covered in bird excrement and the railings and gates were rusty - it looked a right mess," he told the paper.

It follows news that a public-spirited Leeds United fan has offered to paint the controversial Cross Gates sculpture for free, as long as he can use the colours of his favourite team.