Pollards Hill Recreation Ground was tidied up this week by a group of unlikely helpers.

A team of young people aged eight to 14 cleared 10 bags of litter with local councillor Joan Henry.

The litter pickers, from Pollards Hill Youth Club, helped clear up the rec as part of a community litter pick.

Cllr Ross Garrod, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Street Cleanliness and Parking, said: “It’s great to see younger people setting a good example. We know most people care about their environment and where they live, but there are some who don’t care and drop their litter, which costs us £5 million to clear up.

“We can all do our bit to keep Merton clean and we’re lucky we have residents who want to help. Ten minutes spent as part of a community clean-up can make a big difference.”

Anyone wishing organise their own community clean-up should email environmental.development@merton.gov.uk or call 0208 545 3173.

The council is happy to help providing litter pickers and bags. It will also collect the bags of litter from an agreed location.