RESIDENTS in Chafford Hundred showed their pride in their local community after collecting 14 bags of litter during a community litter pick on Drake Road.

The clean-up event, organised by local residents, saw volunteers give up one hour of their time to help improve the local environment and make a visible difference to the area. The initiative is the first in a planned series of monthly community litter picks.

Working together, residents removed a significant amount of waste from public spaces, helping to improve the appearance of the area while showing the positive impact local people can have when they take collective action.

The litter collected during the event has been placed at an agreed collection point near the Angel Café on Drake Road awaiting removal.

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley said: "It is fantastic to see residents coming together to take such positive action in their community.

"Initiatives like this help keep our neighbourhoods clean and attractive, strengthen community spirit and encourage a shared sense of responsibility for the places where we live. I'd like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and effort."