GRAYS Beachcombers litter pickers have completed their last pick of the year on the banks of the Thames in Thurrock.

The momentum of a full year's efforts did not slow as 12 volunteers collected 38 sacks of rubbish which included 332 bottles from the foreshore at Tilbury.

This brings the year's total to 37 picks with 559 volunteers attending and filling 1,109 sacks including 10,491 bottles.

Waterway Clean-Up Facilitator Steve Catchpole said: "Thanks to all volunteers and companies who have offered their support including DP World London Gateway Port, Coca Cola, P&G, Sodexo, Navigator Terminals, Greggs, Costa Coffee, UAE Embassy, Railscape, Ingeus, Grays Open Door, Tarmac and various local Scout Groups. (Sorry if I have missed any groups).

"Of course special thanks to Thurrock and Havering Councils, Thames21 and not forgetting Clive our book-keeper.

"I will be pulling together a calendar for next year and discuss with the various groups early in the next year, in the meantime our next event is at Grays."

The next litter pick is on Sunday 5 January, meeting at Grays Yacht Club (RM17 6JF) at 10.30am and picking until 12 noon followed by free refreshments in the café.

This is the Grays' Beachcombers regular monthly pick and is a family friendly event suitable for accompanied children six years and older.