A retiree is dedicated to keeping Witham rubbish-free.

Dennis Smith, a retired fertiliser, pesticide and tools sales rep, heads out most days on litter-picks.

He has recently taken it upon himself to tackle the “historic” rubbish in Witham’s River Walk.

The 76-year-old was helped by councillors Bill Rose and Patrick Horner when he undertook a litter-pick on Witham’s River Walk last Wednesday.

Mr Smith, who has previously taken soil samples from Buckingham Palace, said: “We picked up about 14 bags of rubbish.

“There is still some to go."