CELEBRITY gardener Charlie Dimmock has added her voice to a campaign to urge people to get their hands dirty for conservation projects.

Ms Dimmock visited Woodstock and Chipping Norton Green Gym yesterday to encourage more people in Oxfordshire to improve their health by taking part in local gardening schemes.

The TV star helped out with fencing, boardwalk maintenance and general clearance in Woodstock’s water meadows.

Her visit was part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Muck In4Life campaign, which encourages people to keep fit through volunteering in outdoor projects.

Ms Dimmock said: “I’m delighted to be able to support Muck In4Life and to be able to do my bit for Woodstock and Chipping Norton’s Green Gym.

“It has been lovely to see so many local people working together to make a difference to their local environment.

“I’d encourage everyone to get out and do some conservation volunteering.

“It not only gives you the chance to make a difference to your local environment, but also keeps you fit and healthy at the same time.”

Gym member Jenny Harrington said: “Volunteering provides an opportunity to work alongside other people from all sorts of backgrounds and with all sorts of expertise.”

Visit woodchipgreen gym.org.uk or btcv.org