BITTERNE'S Litter Team were out in force on Monday morning, ridding the area of waste and rubbish; the 29 strong team of willing volunteers of all ages and backgrounds came together to help keep their community tidy.

This collection, however, marked a milestone for the group as they completed collection number 60.

One of the volunteers, Frankie, brought along a 'Happy Anniversary' banner to symbolise and celebrate the groups achievement.

On the job, The Litter Team found the areas behind Iceland and Poundstretcher to be in a particularly poor state, along with the utility area behind the old Sainsbury's being used as a site for suspected fly tipping.

Garden and construction waste, along with a lot of general rubbish from the now defunct Thomas Cook, was also found in this area.

More sizeable items were also found on the teams collection. A bed and mattress had been dumped in Lower Lances Hill car park, with the crew finding other notable items including a car tyre, a chest of draws and a toilet seat.

The Litter Team gathered all of the waste found and left the precinct area clean and tidy.

Bitterne Litter Team's final meeting for the year will be on November 17 starting at Angel Crescent Car Park at 10am.

David Eddy, of Bitterne's Litter Team said: "Thanks to all the volunteers who have worked with us over the last three and a half years, you are wonderful people."