'Epic' is the description of the work carried out by 22 volunteers from the USA, who have been guests of the Church of the Nazarene this week, in helping to spruce up Largs,

The group from Midland Valley Community Nazarene Church, in South Carolina, were doing community outreach work in Largs and were helping out at the new Barrfields community garden.

During their visit, they were lending a hand in a range of community projects that the local Church of the Nazarene is heavily involved in, as well as providing various improvements around the church building itself.

That included installing a new audio/video studio, as well as various repairs.

Mark Alison, who is father of Largs Church of the Nazarene Pastor Tasha, was one of those who made the journey across the pond for the exciting project.

He said that he and his fellow Americans were bowled over by the warm reception they received, and were impressed by the kindness and support shown by the Largs community.

The group have some professional expertise, which means that they can make a big difference.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Mark said: "We came over to help remodel the church. We love these people in the church and the community. We assembled a team and we had more who wanted to come but we could only bring 22.

"We have fundraised for the trip and also for materials to bring over which we are leaving behind so they can be used in future.

"Some of our group walked up to the viewpoint and remarked on how gorgeous it was, and the weather was amazing throughout the week.

"A roofer in Largs came into the lumber yard as we were grabbing up some big timbers and he offered to haul it over for us.

"He grabbed one load on his shoulder and tied it up to his van and transported us and told us to 'get in boys'. He didn't know who we were - we were complete strangers - and that was a very special offer of help and shows you what a lovely strong community that the town has."

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Some direct help! Direct Roofing helped Americans transport timber for community project in Largs in true spirit of co-operationSome direct help! Direct Roofing helped Americans transport timber for community project in Largs in true spirit of co-operation (Image: Largs Green Futures)

"On our side of the lake in America, we go around various states to help at various Church of the Nazarene places of worship. We even have a group who went down to Florida and Mississippi, and Louisiana, after the hurricanes and we don't just do reconstructions of churches but people's houses.

"We took a tree off a roof and helped repair a roof on one occasion."

Largs resident John O'Connor, who took part in Friday's supper celebration with the South Carolina volunteers, said: "The guys and girls came over and worked their socks off to make the Naz a super place to be. They got to know quite a lot of folks in town as well.

"It's an example of how people can come together and do and make good things.

"There is some really positive stuff happening in Largs, and this is great to see."

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Team effort: South Carolina volunteers helped at community garden at BarrfieldsTeam effort: South Carolina volunteers helped at community garden at Barrfields (Image: Largs Greens Futures)

Wendy Low Thomson of Largs Green Futures said: "Thank you to this lovely guy who offered to take the wood and our American friends to the garden project from the lumber yard. We cannot thank our visitors enough for the epic amount of work they have done for us since they got here.

"Huge thanks to Stephen Plott and Alan for fitting new toilets and re-plumbing the whole place. We have built such good friendships and they are all a total godsend.

"Thanks to R J McLeod company, doing the renovation sea wall works, who delivered three dumper trucks of chips for our path so we will get that sorted soon and hopefully the site will then be safe enough to open for our community.Largs and Millport Weekly News: Wendy Low Thomson, pictured centre, at Friday's dinner celebration Wendy Low Thomson, pictured centre, at Friday's dinner celebration (Image: Newsquest)

"Thanks so much to local electrician Dtec Electrical Contractors and Daniel for helping our community outreach team from Largs Church of the Nazarene by transporting wood and supplies over to the Barrfields community garden."