VOLUNTEERS from the Orchards Community Forum were out again on Saturday morning tidying up alleyways around the Grove Road area, in Grays.

Chair of the Orchards Forum, Tina Holland, said: "18 months ago it would have taken many people half a day to clear these alleyways. Now we managed to tidy them in a couple of hours - we know they are far from perfect but the improvement is clear to see.

"We really can't allow these alleyways to fall back into the state they were last year. That's why we will continue spend a couple of hours, once a month, to make sure we keep on top of them."

Details of alley cleans can be found on the Orchards Forum Facebook page.

Chair of the Riverside Community Big Local, Andy Blakey, said: "I want to thank Tina and all the Orchards Forum volunteers for their hard work in keeping these alleys as clear as possible. They really are making a difference to their local community.

"Thanks as well to Thurrock Council for helping by disposing of the rubbish collected.