RESIDENTS of Hatherleigh came together to help clear litter from around the town's Island Park on Saturday.

Nearly 20 people collected 15 bin bags full of rubbish, including cans, plastic bottles and even a traffic cone.

The event was organised at short notice by local people who wanted to make a difference in the town and tidy up some of the mess accumulating near the park and in hedgerows.

Deb Laing-Trengove came up with the idea of having the community litter pick.

A message suggesting the litter pick was posted on Facebook and people rallied around the idea.

Deb told the Times: 'For me, along with many other residents, litter is seen as a real blight on the local area.

'We are constantly being told that this part of Devon is one of the most lovely and desirable places to live, but it will only remain so if we care for and take pride in it.

'It was really heartening to see such a good number of people turn out at such short notice and quite astounding the amount of rubbish we collected in such a short time.'

Clare Tyson, who also took part, said: 'After a quick share on Facebook, hey presto we had a flash mob!

'Some people could say why bother? But, for me, it's a no brainer.

'You keep your own home and garden tidy so how hard is it to extend it to your street, your park?

'It was great to see so many turn up.'

The litter pick idea came after a discussion among local people interested in setting up an environment group to help improve the Hatherleigh area.

Deb added: 'We hope to keep up the momentum with the formulation of a local environment group that will hopefully enable local people to be proactive in safeguarding a sustainable and clean environment for our town.'

Clare said: 'The litter pick has been a great start for Hatherleigh's fledgling environment group.'

Anyone interested in finding out more can do so by email to clare.tyson.muir@gmail. com