A LICK of paint and a bit of community spirit has got Malmesbury Abbey into shape for the summer.

More than 30 residents came out to give the railings around the abbey some much needed love over the last weekend in April.

They tirelessly painted the railings, of which there are more than 1,000, to get the abbey looking in tip-top condition for the rest of the year.

Reverend Canon Neill Archer, vicar at Malmesbury Abbey, got the community together for the weekend.

“A few years ago we attempted to paint the railings but didn’t get all the way round,” he said.

“They were really in a poor state and needed painting and brushing down and we decided it was worth getting every railing done.

“We had a team of 30 people who basically spent the weekend painting them.

“A core of people association with local men’s basketball team stayed for two days, while others drifted in and out.

“I was surprised that we got it all done, I thought we’d run out of steam.”

More than 50,000 people visit the renowned abbey each year and Rvd Canon Archer believes the fresh lick of paint will add to its already impressive appearance in the eyes of visitors.

“I think it will have impact on town,” he said.

“The appearance of the abbey and its grounds makes the centre of town more attractive.”

Tom Hunton, a vet and part time preacher at Malmesbury Abbey joined in with the effort.

He said: “It was great chatting to lots of different people from across the Malmesbury community who had all come together to make the physical and spiritual centre of our town look a lot smarter.

“It was amazing that a group of volunteers could paint 1400 railings in one weekend, although the bacon rolls, coffee and cake from the abbey cafe definitely helped fuel the work.”