VOLUNTEERS from a local forum were out and about this morning helping to clear rubbish that had been dumped in alleyways around Benson Road, in Grays.

Orchards Forum volunteers found a range of material that has been dumped, including a number of fridges or freezers!

Volunteer Steve Catchpole helped recover a number of bulky items - which included fridges and freezers.

Until recently, Thurrock Council has covered the costs of disposing of the rubbish collected at the forum's monthly clean ups. Unfortunately, given the council's well known financial problems, they will no longer do that.

However, to ensure the clean ups can still go ahead, the Riverside Community Big Local has stepped in and will pay to have the rubbish properly disposed of.

Speaking after this morning's clean up, Cllr Cathy Kent said; "It was great to join the Orchards Forum volunteers today,

Volunteers with some of the collected rubbish.

"I want to thank every one of them for giving their time to help keep our community a little tidier. I also want to thank the Riverside Community Big Local for stepping up and funding these events now the council won't."

The next Orchards Forum alley clean will be on Saturday, 8 April, meeting at 9am by the entrance to the allotments in Kent Road.

All new volunteers will be made very welcome. All equipment is provided and the sessions end at 11am with a hot drink courtesy of the Grays Town Park cafe.