THE turnout for last Saturday’s Tidy Tavi litter-picking expedition was the largest for some considerable time.

Twenty-two adults and most encouragingly, nine children, helped with the task of clearing litter from Tavistock’s streets and public areas. The response was so great that organisers had difficulty providing everybody with suitably sized high visibility jackets and litter pickers.

Improvisation was necessary such that, for instance, four-year-old Erin Ayrton, who completed a full hour’s work with her grandad before being distracted by the lure of the sweetshop, did so dressed in a hastily adjusted adult jacket over her super hero outfit!

Tidy Tavi organisers would like to express thanks to all participants, but particularly the children who took part, their parents and the staff of local schools who have encouraged family participation to such great effect. Efforts are now being made to procure additional equipment suitable for use by the growing number of young volunteers.

Any potential sponsors who may be able to help in this respect are asked to contact Steve Hipsey at [email protected]

Despite the large number of volunteers involved on Saturday, the haul of litter was quite modest. The centre of town was especially clean, no doubt due to the efforts of council personnel. Other areas that were visited including the entire length of the A386 within the town boundary, Callington Road and several residential areas.

The next Tidy Tavi litter-picking event will take place on Saturday, June 3.