A LITTER picking group had its 'biggest gathering yet'.

The Hexham Wombles is a litter picking group organised by councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken and is supported by local volunteers helping to remove litter from areas in Hexham. 

Dr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, town and county councillor of Hexham East, said: "We had the biggest Wombles gathering yet on Saturday, November 26. We had about 35 people from the amazing Hexham Rotary Club, Tynedale Lions and kids from WeCan too. There was tonnes of rubbish, especially around the car parks and roadsides up to the A69, with people just dumping litter from their vehicles. But, with our fab team, we went underground, overground and wombled free."

Andrew Rigg from Hexham Rotary said: "Hexham Rotary was delighted to assist with the litter picking last Saturday. Fifteen willing volunteers helped the Town Council team collect over 60 bags of litter from pavements and verges around Hexham. We all look forward to assisting again in the future with this worthwhile task."

Cllr Fairless-Aitken added: "I think people see us out and about and like what we do, it's social and makes you feel great. Clocking up steps a day and out in the fresh air. What's not to like? We've also been joined by some great organisations recently, RAFA, the Lions, Rotary Club and WeCan so word seems to be spreading. We also have a core band of loyal Wombles too. Next one is mid-January. Join us."

To get involved in the next litter pick, contact Suzanne Fairless-Aitken at suzannehappierhexham@gmail.com

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