A TEAM of dedicated volunteers has cleaned-up a stretch of the River Colne. 

The Wivenhoe RiverCare Group removed waste and plastics at the Hythe, in Colchester, in support of the Great British Spring Clean.

The environmental initiative was aided by members of Colchester Canoe Club.

Formed to help maintain the river between Wivenhoe and the Hythe, the group has completed more than 100 clean-ups since 2017, with the latest yielding 25 bags of waste.

The group is part of the wider RiverCare and BeachCare initiative by Keep Britain Tidy, funded by Anglian Water, tasking local volunteers with environmental maintenance.

Bruce Langley, the group leader, said: "I love kayaking along our local river and wanted to improve it for visitors and wildlife.

"We’re proud of what we have achieved so far, and hope others will come and join us. There will always be a warm welcome for new volunteers.

“We also hope as people experience a cleaner, better environment they will be inspired to put their litter in the bin and start to take more care of this beautiful area too.”

To make a pledge to the Great British Spring Clean please visit keepbritaintidy.org before March 31.