TIDY Tavi volunteers dodged some cold showers last Saturday (February 3) on their latest litter-picking expedition in Tavistock.

The turn-out was high despite the questionable weather and the number of families with young children continues to grow.

A spokesperson from Tidy Tavi said: ‘This seems to indicate an increasing awareness of environmental issues among primary school aged children and their parents. The youngsters seem to genuinely enjoy the outing, especially the fun of wielding litter pickers and competing to collect the most rubbish.’

Saturday’s haul of rubbish consisted of the usual mixture of bottles, cans and sweet wrappers. Other discarded items included a number of posters and signs advertising events that occurred before Christmas.

The spokesperson added: ‘This is a continuing trend and the perpetrators, who can easily be identified, are reminded that under the Litter Act of 1983, their redundant publicity material is considered to constitute litter for legal purposes.

‘Another growing and most unpleasant trend is the amount of bagged and un-bagged dog waste found on the streets of the town. Unfortunately, Tidy Tavi volunteers are unable to deal with this for reasons of hygiene. Persistent cases, however, are reported to West Devon Borough Council.’

• Tidy Tavi volunteers meet at Meadowlands Leisure Centre at 10am on the first Saturday every month.

• Pictured left are youngsters Jude, Iris and Louis (with Joseph in the background), having fun in their Tidy Tavi hi-vis jackets and helping keep the town tidy.