RIVER clean-up champion Steve Catchpole is urging local people to help him and other volunteers continue the job of tidying up the banks of the Thames in Thurrock.

Steve, who together with the Thames21 River Action Group and the Grays Beachcombers volunteers has spearheaded litter-picking and clean-up events throughout the region has organised another event this week.

It will be on Thursday, 15 April and will run with a maximum of 15 people using, wherever possible, your own equipment and recognising social distancing between bubbles at all times.

The pickers will meet at the old St Clements Church (RM20 4AL) at 10.30am and the pick, which is for adults only, will run until 1.30pm.

We will be picking along the Graffiti Wall. This event will include up to 4 miles walking so comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This is an adult only Thames21 River Action Group event and anyone interested in taking part should email Steve at [email protected]. Steve says: "Please do not attend unless I confirm your place and even then do not attend if you have symptoms or are being asked to self-isolate."

Future Events coming up include:

Sunday, 2 May – meeting at Grays Yacht Club, RM17 6JF, at 10.30am until noon. Grays Beachcombers is a monthly Thames21 River Action Group family friendly event suitable for accompanied children 9 years and older. - two places available.

Saturday, 15 May – meeting at Concrete Barges, RM13 9YQ, at 10.30am until 1.30pm. Thames21 River Action Group family friendly event suitable for accompanied children 12 years and older. We will be picking rubbish from both the pathway and reed beds - 15 places available.

Tuesday, 18 May – meeting at Tilbury Fort, RM17 6JF, at 10.30am until 1pm. This event will include up to four miles walking so comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This is an adult only Thames21 River Action Group event - 15 places available.

Saturday, 22 May – meeting at the closed Wharf Hotel, Grays, RM17 6SZ at 1pm until 3.30pm. This event will include up to two miles walking so comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This is a Thames21 River Action Group family friendly event suitable for accompanied children nine years and older - 15 places available.

Sunday, 30 May – meeting at Grays Yacht Club, RM17 6JF, at 10.30am until noon. Grays Beachcombers is a monthly Thames21 River Action Group family friendly event suitable for accompanied children 9 years and older. - 15 places available.