FOLLOWING a successful litter pick alongside the Thames close to the Wharf pub in Grays, a series of similar events have now been lined up.

Last week's pick, which included youngsters – among them six year old Dolly (pictured) – saw volunteers fill 31 sacks including 223 single use plastic bottles.

Future events include:

Saturday 26th September - Friends of North Thames Estuary - meeting at the Tilbury Fort, Tilbury RM18 7NR - 10:30 to 13:30. If you have your own equipment, picker, hoop, gloves, face mask and sturdy walking shoes, please bring them. We will be walking at least 3 miles collecting river rubbish along the foreshore - Limited facilities available - 8 places available.

Sunday 4th October - Friends of Grays Beachcombers - meeting at Thurrock Yacht Club, Grays RM17 6JF at 10:30 until 12:00. Foreshore tidy. If you have your own equipment, picker, hoop, gloves and face mask please also bring along sanitising hand wash. - Limited facilities are available - 0 places available.

Sunday 8th November - Friends of Grays Beachcombers - meeting at Thurrock Yacht Club, Grays RM17 6JF at 10:30 until 12:00. Foreshore tidy. If you have your own equipment, picker, hoop, gloves and face mask please also bring along sanitising hand wash. - Limited facilities are available - 6 places available. Please note the alternative date.

Sunday 6th December - Friends of Grays Beachcombers - meeting at Thurrock Yacht Club, Grays RM17 6JF at 10:30 until 12:00. Foreshore tidy. If you have your own equipment, picker, hoop, gloves and face mask please also bring along sanitising hand wash. - Limited facilities are available - 14 places available.

Events organiser Steve Catchpole says: "During these strange times pre-booking is critical. Do not attend unless I have confirmed your places. If you have registered for an event but won't be able to attend, please ensure you let me know as soon as possible."

Steve can be contacted via email at [email protected].