LITTER pickers in Fairfield and Howley celebrate a successful year of clearing up rubbish after collecting 562 bags of litter in 2023.

The dedicated Fairfield and Howley Litter Team collected a significant part of the whole Warrington total of 7,749 bags during the past year.

Formed two years ago, the team turn out for bi-monthly Sunday litter picks, whatever the weather.

They are joined by residents, a church community, a Scout group and engagement with primary schools in the area.

Hannah Austin, one of three co-leaders and a Keep Britain Tidy Litter Heroes ambassador, said: “It is empowering to make a difference to the area where you live.

“Getting to know like-minded people makes us all feel more confident and supported doing what we do.”

The team welcomes a diverse range of members, and its youngest current member is just two years old.

The oldest is retired, and it even has a remarkable can-retrieving dog that fills bags of recyclable cans on his walks.

As well as removing litter, the team strives to provide mindful outdoor exercise that creates a shared sense of achievement and visibly care about the environment in which they live in.

Hannah continued: “Our regular picks restart in February after our winter break. There is a lot to do as we recover from the prolonged bin strike.”

This is one of 10 active litter-picking groups in Warrington, and part of a wider growing movement and volunteers are always encouraged.

For more information, visit litternetworks.org