AN army of 18 volunteers took part in some back-breaking work at the weekend, determined to tidy up litter-infested lanes surrounding Abbotskerswell.

On Saturday the volunteers met at the village hall at 10am to participate in the village’s first litter pick, organised by County Cllr Alistair Dewhirst and parish council chairman Cllr Kevin Eales.

Armed with equipment provided by Teignbridge Council, the litter pickers descended on the lanes and collected more than 30 bags of rubbish, as well as car tyres, a car battery and a starter motor.

Cllr Eales said: ‘It was great to see so many villagers turning out on a cold morning for our first village litter pick.

‘Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and make friends while giving the village a much needed spring clean.’

Cllr Dewhirst added: ‘I was really pleased to have the support of the parish council.

‘I would also like to thank the village hall for allowing us to use their facilities and to the officers at Teignbridge who let us use their litter picking equipment.

‘I will be holding litter picks in Ipplepen tomorrow and in Kingskerswell on March 12.’