SEVEN years, around 3,000 voluntary hours of litter picking and approximately 28 tonnes of rubbish — that is the achievements of the Tidy Tavi group whose volunteers first set out to tidy up Tavistock in October 2011.

Tidy Tavi is celebrating its 7th birthday with cake and drinks on Saturday (October 6) before volunteers set off around the town for another litter picking expedition.

A spokesperson for Tidy Tavi said: ‘The battle against litter in streets and public places continues. Tidy Tavi expeditions certainly make a difference and augment the efforts made by the local authorities. We also hope that the mere sight of yellow-clad folks of all ages, determined to make a difference in their community with litter pickers and rubbish bags, helps to encourage residents and visitors not to drop litter in the first place. The youngsters who turn out to help with their parents will hopefully grow into conscientious teenagers and adults who will make a big difference in future years.’

The birthday celebrations on Saturday will start at 10am at Meadowlands Leisure Centre. Anyone would like to join in, there is no requirement to register, sign-up or commit. Just go along, meet the regulars and give it a go.