LITTER pickers dedicated to cleaning for the Darlington community have earned pies and pints for their hard work.

More than 40 residents have joined the second Pick, Pie and Pint event organised by Darlington Building Society and Darlington Cares to spruce up the town centre.

Volunteers are given litter picking equipment for the monthly event and receive a free pie and a pint in Horsemarket's Hole in the Wall pub as a thank you for taking part.

Speaking on behalf of Darlington Cares, Seth Pearson, said: "We're thrilled that Darlington Building Society supported us to hold another Pick, Pie and a Pint event, not only with sponsorship, but also with several team members taking part.

"This event was even more popular than the last and we're excited for this to grow even more each month, helping more people make stronger connections in their local community."

The volunteers were split into four teams and were in friendly competition to see who could collect the most rubbish.

Darlington Building Society's chief executive, Colin Fyfe, said: "This is a fantastic initiative designed to bring business people together both socially and for the good of the town as a whole – something Darlington Building Society is passionate about."

For more information about upcoming Pick, Pie and Pint events, visit darlingtoncares.co.uk or darlington.co.uk