Every litter bit helps in Shropshire for Queen's clean-up
It has been touted as the biggest simultaneous mass clean-up in the UK. And people across the region were this week continuing to turn out in hi-vis vests and purple T-shirts to spruce up their towns, villages and surrounding countryside in honour of the Queen's 90th birthday.
The Clean for the Queen campaign has seen a million people take part nationally from last weekend onwards, with litter picking events taking part throughout the region.
In south Shropshire, on Wednesday, members of Richards Castle WI took to the roads around the small village near Ludlow to do their bit. However, Gloria Corfield, group president, said the litter pick was already an annual event that attracted lots of volunteers.
"We have this clear up at this time every year to make the area as attractive as possible for the many visitors passing through in the summer months, and we are delighted to be able to combine with the Clean for The Queen initiative," she said.
She said lots of unusual items had been found in previous years, from lorry wheels to unused building materials.
Meanwhile, finds were even stranger in Kinsley Wood, near Knighton, after the Forestry Commission joined forces with Knighton District Rotary Club members, Teme Valley Environmental Group and local residents for a two-hour clean-up.
They found enough furniture to fill a small flat, including three refrigerators, a cooker top, half a bath, a sink, a toilet cistern, a sofa, a single bed, two televisions, a hoover, an ironing board and a piano keyboard.
Kevin Stannard, Forestry Commission deputy surveyor, said: "It was great to see so many people supporting the Clean for the Queen events and to hear about how much they care about their local woods and feel proud to live closeby and enjoy them every day".
In Ludlow, Philip Dunne MP joined Mayor Paul Draper and other volunteers in town centre last weekend, collecting rubbish in Market Square and surrounding streets.
Mr Dunne said: "I was delighted to promote Clean for the Queen in South Shropshire.
"It was great to be part of a cheerful group of volunteers in Ludlow on Saturday, helping to promote pride in our community and tidy up Britain ahead of Her Majesty's 90th birthday in April.
"While out on Saturday several local people thought it was a great idea and asked how they could get involved.
"I directed them to the Ludlow Pride of Place Facebook page for further information on regular litter picks around town," he said.
