Villagers are being called on to help tackle an invasive weed that is taking over Newton Poppleford from 9.30am tomorrow (Saturday).

Volunteers will be out bashing Himalayan balsam before the seed pods explode in August and spread the plant further.

Four events are planned, with each followed by a free barbecue for helpers that is being sponsored by the parish council.

Tomorrow’s will start with a lesson at the Pavilion in Back Lane to recognise the weed and learn how to pull it out.

Groups of four to six people will then go off to areas known to be full of it.

The next event will be on July 22, then on August 19 and September 16 to finish off and pull out any plants that were missed.