A group of Falmouth guesthouse owners took matters into their own hands when they noticed the seafront needed a spring clean and carried out a bit of “guerrilla' bench cleaning.

The representatives from the Dolvean, Tregenna and Wellington guest houses in Melvill Road gave up their own time to strip away weeds, strip down the wooden benches and apply a coat of paint and preservative.

“It was noticed that most of the benches on the seafront were in a very poor state, having had no painting or weeding done for many years,” said Rosemary Riddette-Gregory, secretary of the Falmouth and District Hotels Association.

“The guesthouse owners, who are all members of the hotels’ association, spent two afternoons out in the sunshine with a cordless sander, trowels and brooms, several bin liners and a big can of wood paint and preservative.

“One gentleman and his wife who stopped to talk to us was employed many years ago by Falmouth Borough Council and told us that in those days the benches were always renovated every year and were ready to receive the bottoms of seafront strollers by Easter at the latest.

“He was quite impressed with the time and trouble we were taking, saying that the council workforce were only allowed 15 minutes to paint each bench.”

The team of “bench guerrillas” renovated eight benches, starting from the Castle Beach end of Cliff Road and aim to continue their work, but are appealing for more help.

“We hope a few more guesthouse or hotel owners may join in and we could even get them all done, down to Gyllyngvase,” said Rosemary. “If they really can’t spare the time, some donations for the cost of the paint would be welcome as it is expensive stuff, but worth it for the huge improvement we can achieve.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer or make a donation should call Jayne on 01326 313881 to learn when the next session of guerrilla benching will take place.