A community group swept into action to rid their park and pond of leaves and rubbish in the first litter pick of the season.

“Friends of Canons Park” organised the clean-up operation on April 15 with the help of volunteers, collecting a record haul of 35 bags of rubbish and a wheelie bin full of branches that had filled up the pond in the park’s George V memorial garden. 

Around 15 volunteers aged from three to over 80-years-old, combed the park for litter that had slowly built up over the winter months including plastic bottles, disposable barbeques, glass bottles and throwaway coffee cups.

Friends event organiser, Sharon Graham, said: “We were lucky to have a great turn out of volunteers this Sunday.

“They really worked hard to clear up the park and keep it safe for all our visitors – including those with dogs.” 

The Friends group organise around three litter picking events each year. The next one will be before their annual Kid’s Fun Fair Day on August 5.

For more information go to www.canonsparkfriends.org