FOR many years Keelby has entered the Best Kept Village Competition – without success – but the Brightening Keelby Campaign hopes to change that.
The group of people put hard work, love and dedication into the village in a bid to brighten up everyone's day, whether they are residents or people passing through the village.
The brains behind it are villagers Margaret Moorcroft and John Hodson who spend most of their time fundraising to improve areas of the village which need a little TLC.
One recent improvement was at the back of the Spar shop, which had been an eyesore for more than 20 years.
A mural was painted by youths from the area, under the watchful eye of chairperson Margaret.
"We raised the funds from a successful rock 'n' roll night at the village hall to buy the plants and paint," Margaret said.
"Twenty children, aged nine to 15, from the youth centre got involved for more than a week on the project – and they really liked the end result.
"The helped design and create it, so the children respect the area because they helped to improve it.
"We believe by picking up the phone, talking to people and discussing problems we have had more success.
"Working with the community has worked for us."
Another village enthusiast and founder of the campaign is John, who has lived in the village since 1971.
He said: "I moved from Ulceby and as soon as I drove through the village I loved it.
"When I was 17, I went through the village and thought I would like to live here one day."
John said he began the campaign by walking through the village and realising things could improve.
He added: "I now can't walk through the village without picking up litter; the number of lottery tickets and scratch cards I have picked up is unbelievable, but I may become rich one day!
John, who is a retired builder and built his own home, decided to brighten up an area close to his house.
He said: "I thought the area needed brightening up and a local artist, Wendy Humberston painted a relaxing beach scene."
