A dedicated resident committed to keeping a cemetery tidy helped has praised everyone who attended the first official litter pick at the site.

Zahid Nawaz from Heaton lost his father, Haji Haque Nawaz in February last year to heart failure, and since then has dedicated his time to help keep Heaton Cemetery, where he is buried, clean and tidy with help from others who have loved ones there and members of the local community.

He visits his father’s grave nearly every day and with the help of his daughter, Alisha Zahid, has been working over many months to organise an event called the ‘Bolton Cemetery Tidy Up’ to bring the community together to help clear the site of litter and make it a nicer place for all.

He originally planned this event for last September, however, it had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions, with the first event happening on Sunday April 11.

Over 50 volunteers, including a number of councillors, were in attendance at the event, with PPE and hi-vis jackets provided to all who came.

Zahid said: "We carried out the first tidy up after a long wait which meant there was a lot of flytipping to deal with at the cemetery but we tackled it well.

"My daughter Alisha does all of our social media and did a great job getting this event out there. We easily had more than 50 people there which was great to see.

"All the volunteers and councillors and candidates who participated did an amazing job in the clean up.

"It was all very well organised with people in their groups of six and all wearing masks and regularly sanitising their hands.

"Gloves and hi-vis were supplied to everyone on the day, everything went very well and I would like to thank everyone for the help and and support in this cause.

"We receive no funding as a group so all equipment is contributed to us by the community."

Cllr Adele Warren, who was at the tidy up, said: "Zahid had been waiting over 12 months for the first official volunteer session. Organised well with so many dedicated volunteers turning out to improve the cemetery.

"My families ashes are scattered at Heaton Cemetery and so it was very poignant for me personally. It was an absolute pleasure to meet everyone involved, socially distanced and put in groups of six. Well done everyone."

Zahid hopes the next littler picking event can happen this Sunday, weather depending.

To get in touch with the group and find out more about litter picking events at Heaton Cemetery, email bolton.hctu@gmail.com