ORGANISERS of environmental group Tidy Tavi have paid tribute to backers who are helping them with enough equipment to collect up to two tons of rubbish by next Christmas.

Spokesman Steve Hipsey, who thanked local firms for backing the group, said: ‘One of the small but ongoing costs that has faced Tidy Tavi organisers over the years has been the requirement for rubbish bags. West Devon Borough Council and various businesses have kindly donated bags at various times, but they tend to have been of poor quality and vulnerable to tearing on brambles or by broken glass inside. The cost has therefore fallen on organisers who have sourced suitable bags locally, mainly from the pannier market.

‘Recently however, a short campaign to solve the problem has had remarkable results. Various local businesses have pledged to act as monthly ‘Bag Sponsors’ for the whole of the coming year. This should provide enough bags in which to collect the estimated two tons of rubbish likely to be collected between now and Christmas 2022.’

Meanwhile, the group says more younger people are coming forward to help keep the town clean. Mr Hipsey said two of the younger volunteers, Wilfred and Ethney, seemed to enjoy using special mini litter- pickers and bag hoops during the latest clean-up.

Mr Hipsey said: ‘These are very popular with all the youngsters who come to help along with grown-up family members. They say that litter picking is a great family activity for an hour or so on a Saturday morning, regardless of the weather.’

Organisers say they are keen to involve youngsters and hope that their efforts will engender a sense of community pride that they will pass on to future generations.

The groups meets outside Meadowlands Leisure Centre at 10am on the first Saturday of each month, except for New Year’s Day next month, with January’s outing postponed until the 8th.