VOLUNTEER 'wombles' across the district are volunteering to help tackle the purge of litter that others leave behind.

In 2010 as part of the Green Heart of Essex campaign, Braintree Council appealed to residents to volunteer to help make the district one of the cleanest and greenest in the country.

Over the years, the number of Green Heart Champions has been growing as residents of all ages walk miles within the district collecting sacks full of discarded litter.

They work together to keep their neighbourhoods clean, take pride in their communities and aim to keep the district litter free. 

There are currently 524 volunteers registered with the council, either as individuals, families or community groups. 

Some of the volunteers who joined at the beginning of the littler-busting project are still involved today.

Braintree Council recently welcomed its 500th volunteer - Jane Matthews, from Witham.

She said: "We have lovely wildlife along the River Walk, which is in danger of being affected by litter pollution, so I thought that would be a good place to start.

"It makes me sad and angry when I see litter dumped by other people, especially when there's a bin nearby.

"It's sheer laziness not going a few extra yards to the nearest bin or even taking it home."

Council environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: "I have always been and will continue to be a huge fan of our Green Heart Champions.

"I am extremely grateful to each and every one of them for their dedication and support.

"The momentum to tackle the litter blight and to protect our environment is growing by the day.

"Some of the volunteers are as young as five years of age, which demonstrates how much the younger generation is becoming increasingly concerned about the future of our planet.

"Thank you to those who care about the impact of litter on climate change, and shame on those who don’t."

To become a Green Heart Champion or to find out more, visit braintree.gov.uk/greenheartofessex.