THE latest Grays Beachcombers litter pick by the side of the Thames proved another success.

Eighteen volunteers met by Thurriock Yacht club and combed the banks of the Thames for rubbish, particularly of the plastic variety.

Thames21 River Action Clean-Up Facilitator Steve Catchpole said: "Eighteen of us braved the ridiculously blowy conditions at Grays Beach collecting 22 sacks full of rubbish including 165 plastic bottles."

Pickers will be bacjk in action next Wednesday (12 February) – meeting at the Wharf Hotel, Wharf Road South, Grays, RM17 5YX at 10.30am and picking until 1pm.

The adult-only event will include up to two miles walking so comfortable walking shoes or boots are recommended.

It is being organised by Friends of the North Thames Estuary and is a Thames21 River Action Group event.

Other upcoming picks include:

Saturday, 22 February – meeting at the Riverside Carpark at the Concrete Barges at Rainham, RM13 9YQ and picking from 10.30am to 1pm.

Volunteers will be picking rubbish from along the foreshore and the reed beds. This is a family friendly event suitable for accompanied children 8 years and older. Organised by The Friends of the Concrete Barges and is a Thames21 River Action Group event.

Sunday, 1 March – meeting at Grays Yacht Club RM17 6JF at 10.30am and picking until noon, followed by free refreshments in the café.

This is the Grays Beachcombers' regular monthly pick. This is a family friendly event suitable for accompanied children six years and older. Organised by Grays Beachcombers and is a Thames21 River Action Group event.

Saturday, 14 March – meeting in John Street RM17 6ED at 9am and picking to noon.

This is the regular Orchards Forum back alley clean-up. All welcome especially local residents.