PUBLIC displays and a memorial dedicated to Wallyford’s mining and brick-making history have been spruced up thanks to a big community effort.

Wallyford Community Council joined with Wallyford Parent & Carers Council, Wallyford Primary School pupils, Wallyford Livingroom Church members, the local Community Payback team and East Lothian Council for the initiative.

The coal mining hutches at either side of the Wallyford Mining Memorial Stone, in front of the St Clements housing estate, were repainted and flower displays inside tidied up.

The block paving around the memorial stone was cleaned, with moss and debris removed.

An information board showing the history of mining and brick manufacture in the village, located behind the memorial stone, was also cleaned.

Grass in the area was mowed.

Bedding plants were planted in front of the Wallyford pug sculpture, just off Salters Road, where a steam locomotive, nicknamed the pug, crossed over on its way from local coal mines and brickworks to the East Coast Mainline.

The local team wished to enhance and bring colour to the site – now one of the designated safe routes to school – with a floral display. Overgrown foliage was also removed from the back of the sculpture.

Litter picking took place at various locations as part of the clean-up project and local children have been placing painted stones around the village.

Alister Hadden, chairman of Wallyford Community Council, said: “The community council wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to all involved for their support in maintaining existing projects and creating new projects to improve and enhance our village.

“It creates a sense of pride and ownership within our community for all who live there and for those who pass through on a regular commute.”