THE community came together to collect nearly 50 bags of litter at a park in Horwich.

A group of about 20 residents, accompanied by Bolton West MP Chris Green, went down to Old Station Park on Saturday in an attempt to tackle the issue of litter in the area.

It was organised by Horwich First Community Group, which is looking to hold similar events throughout the year.

As well as the usual bottles and bags, the group also found a carpet, a pram and a tyre.

Cllr Steve Chadwick, representative for Lever Park Ward on Horwich Town Council, said: "On behalf of myself and Horwich First Community Group, I would like to thank the fantastic people of Horwich who braved the inclement weather on Saturday, January 27 for our first litter pick of the year.

"In less than two hours, almost 20 residents cleaned up an incredible 49 bags of litter from our town's park, in addition to other larger, bulkier items, which had also been dumped, including a carpet, a pram and a tyre.

"Many thanks to Horwich Town Council and the community centre for their kind loan of several additional litter picks, and to Bolton Council for supplying us with a number of our own litter picks and bags.

"They will now dispose of the rubbish."

The clean-up came after several complaints about rubbish littering the site, particularly in some of the hedges.

A spokesman for Horwich First said: “It looks very unsightly. So we are just trying to do that and engage with the community and get people to participate.