MEMBERS of the Tamar Valley Association for Shooting and Conservation spent a day picking rubbish from the foreshore of the rivers Tamar and Tavy near Bere Ferrers recently.

The event, which was part of the association's conservation programme, was organised by assistant secretary Stuart Hooper and was supported on the day by the association's chairman and vice-chairman.

The 15 members knew the area needed cleaning up badly but were still surprised how much rubbish had been left by recent high tides.

By midday the group had collected and carried 32 bags of rubbish to the council pick-up point, and by late afternoon the pile had grown to 52 bags.

Although the rivers are part of an SSSI (site of special scientific interest), the association has had the sporting rights of the foreshore for more than 30 years, so members felt it was like cleaning up their own back yard.

It was said to be so successful by both the locals and the landowners that it is may be repeated next year.

Some members of the group are pictured during a break from litter picking.