HAVING read of the poor turnout at another “litter picking” event in this area, I approached the one here in Helmsley with much trepidation.

I need not have worried. Meticulously well organised by a polite and merry team, it was a success from the start.

Although the weather was damp and cloudy, a large contingent of “pickers” attended. We were even ably supported by the local Scout and Brownie troops. As I proceeded on my “beat”, which took me right up to Rical Drive and the large piece of wasteland there, the rain came down heavily.

How glad I was that I had had the forethought to bring my bicycle and was able to return to “base” reasonably quickly with the heavy bags. In these days of waning community spirit, it was a pleasure to be part of this intrepid team. Well done all, I enjoyed myself very much.

Suzie Widmark, Helmsley