A LITTER picking group has pledged to collect at least 25 bags of rubbish, as part of the UK's biggest mass-action environmental campaign.

The Hexham Wombles, ran by town and county councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, is supported by local volunteers helping to remove litter from areas in Hexham. 

"We signed up here to minimum 25 bags on March 11. I'm so glad the Keep Britain Tidy logo and campaign is resurfacing as I remember it from my childhood and is something everyone can get behind of all ages," she said.

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The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean 2023 returns for its eighth year and will take place from March 17 to April 2, and individuals, groups, or schools can pledge to pick up a bag of litter or more from today.

Cllr Fairless-Aitken added: "I urge people to sign up to add to their running total of rubbish, nationally. Even just taking the dog for a walk or heading down to the shops, take a bag and some gloves, it's an instant feel good factor."

New research by the Great British Spring Clean reveals more than 8.5 million adults in the UK have done litter-picking at least once in the past six months.

It also said 85 per cent of those who took part in last year’s Great British Spring Clean reported that taking part made them feel more pride in their local area, and 74 per cent said it improved their mood.