A COMMUNITY came together to celebrate the King’s coronation over the weekend.

Billinge residents attended a coronation event, Picnic in the Park, organised by Billinge Residents Association and Billinge Parish Council.

The coronation celebration on Sunday, May 7, saw residents flood into Bankes Park, with Saints RLFC star Jack Welsby opening the event.

St Helens Star: Saints RLFC star Jack Welsby opened the event and greeted young fansSaints RLFC star Jack Welsby opened the event and greeted young fans (Image: Ian Bonnell)

Billinge Community Music Group also entertained attendees.

St Helens Star: Attendees enjoyed a performance by talented youngstersAttendees enjoyed a performance by talented youngsters (Image: Ian Bonnell)

Anne Darbyshire, a member of Billinge Residents Association, said: "It was absolutely fantastic; we couldn’t have wished for a better day, with the weather and the people.

"It was a great turnout."

St Helens Star: Stalls were set up at the eventStalls were set up at the event (Image: Ian Bonnell)

The association also praised rangers Dave and Tracy for their help to set up stalls.

The not-for-profit association, which has been active in the community since 2006, had its efforts recognised yesterday, Monday, May 8, during Billinge Parish Council’s 'celebration of volunteering' in support of the Big Help Out initiative.

Anne added: "It’s really nice to be recognised, but we don’t do it for that, we just do it because we love living where we are, and we love the village and the people."

The event, as part of coronation celebrations, aimed to recognise volunteers and their efforts in the community, with more than 20 volunteers nominated.

St Helens Star: Volunteers within the community were recognised for their efforts Volunteers within the community were recognised for their efforts (Image: Fiona Gill)

Fiona Gill, a Billinge Parish Councillor, said: "Billinge Parish Council held an award ceremony to recognise the contribution of volunteers in our community.

"Awards were given to volunteers who dedicate their time to causes such as Scouts, helping children read in school, Billinge Football Club, the churches, and Billinge Residents Association who work together to provide events in the Billinge.

"These individuals deserve recognition and are our ‘unsung heroes’ who go about things expecting no praise, so we felt this a fitting occasion to recognise and show our appreciation."