MORE than 50 litter picks took place across Redcar & Cleveland as local heroes supported the Great British Spring Clean.

The national campaign aims to clear up the litter that blights our towns, villages, countryside and coastline.

The clean-up builds on the borough’s ‘Love it’ campaign which focuses on improving the environment and building pride in local communities.

Cllr Alec Brown, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We are proud to support the Great British Spring Clean which provided us with the opportunity to develop the work being delivered as part of the ‘Love it’ campaign.”

The campaign is backed by Keep Britain Tidy, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Marine Conservation Society and Surfer Against Sewage.

Carolyn Granthier, of Marske Litter Action, added: “It was great to see so many people from across our community taking pride in the area. Litter picks are something we do on a regular basis but it was good to take part in this special event. Having a litter-free environment isn’t just about the council but about everybody doing their bit.”