A BAND of dedicated volunteers have helped give popular sports fields and woodland a spring clean as they held a huge litter-pick.

The 24 litter-pickers collected 75 bags of rubbish from Goshen playing fields and woods in just four hours as they scoured the area for waste.

Although popular with sports groups and walkers, the area attracts large amounts of windblown litter, which was made worse this year by recent flooding.

The litter-pick was organised by Hollins Conservation Group and is the third year a row the effort has been held as part of the nation-wide Great British Spring Clean initiative.

This year the group was also joined by the newly formed Goshen Community Association, which aims to support improvements to the area, and is on the lookout for new members.

Louise Daveron, from Hollins Conservation Group, said: "Another great day was had by local residents who volunteered to give up their time and efforts to clean up their local environment for the benefit of everyone.

"The area now looks great, and we appeal to users to use any of the numerous bins around the car park.

"We would also like to stress that any bin can be used for dog poo. Please don't throw bags in the trees."

For more information on Goshen Community Association or to join email Karl Haslem at gcachair@outlook.com.