VOLUNTEERS turned out in force for Bramhope in Bloom's first litter pick of 2021.

Chairwoman Janet Hobson said:"This was our first litter pick since lockdown and what a turnout we had. No fewer than 27 adults, six young children and four of our Duke of Edinburgh Award candidates turned up."

She added:"One hour later a pile of filled or part filled bags were returned to The Parade to be picked up later in the day by Leeds City Council. Almost as many of the distinctive purple bags, too heavy to be carried back from outlying areas, were left near a litter bin for LCC to collect. What was in those bags beggared belief. Half a scooter, car bumpers, plastic shelving, pieces of metal, bottles, cans, fast food wrappers and oodles of cigarette ends were removed from pathways, pavements and road verges. The unmistakable debris of social gatherings could be seen at the Knoll, the Recreation Ground and Breary Marsh.

"Though some of the litter is created by careless residents, it is very annoying how much stuff is thrown out of cars passing through the village on Leeds Road, Moor Road and Otley Old Road. Over 50 cans or bottles were collected from Moor Road alone.

"A number of our volunteers are now litter picking on a regular basis. The school is keen to promote safe litter picking with the children and have installed fabulous animal shaped litter bins in their playgrounds. We can all play our part and take our litter home or deposit it in a nearby bin."