Residents showed pride in their community by taking part in a mass cleaning event in Willesden.

Scores of people of all ages colelcted buckets and brushes to help remove grime and dust from shopfronts as part of the project dubbed “Clean Willesden Green”.

Deborah Mahs, of the Willesden Town Team, launched the scheme after the state of the streets surrounding her home, in Walm Lane, almost drove her to move out of the area.

She said: “We made a difference. Lovely Willesden Greeners, thank you for your time, enthusiasm and wonderful contribution on Saturday afternoon, the streets look lovely, the shop keepers were thrilled and we had a true community day.”

Transport for London workers from the nearby station joined in the friendly affair, along with Willesden Green fire crews who supplied an engine to provide water.

The clean-up started from the Nest Café in Walm Lane and ended at the Hijab Centre on the corner of Willesden Lane. A celebratory party was held outside the café to round off the day.

Veolia, Brent’s recycle and waste contractor, helped clean the streets days before the event, and supplied specialist equipment.

Ms Mahs said: “This has heralded the beginning of our community campaign of action to start improving the area.”