DOZENS of volunteers banded together to remove more than 20 bags of litter from their local area.

Thirty three members of Bitterne Litter Team got together on Saturday to pick up the rubbish dumped in the precinct area.

The team were able to clean the area in one hour and bagged up all the rubbish for it to be removed by the council.

Founder member of the group, David Eddy, said: "The usual amount of litter was collected and will be removed by our friends in the council tomorrow morning.

"Attending our events is very therapeutic, giving a great deal of satisfaction without needing too much brain power.

"It is a great stress buster.

"The kids get a real kick out of attending and I feel sure that not littering will stay with them for the rest of their lives."

The team have been collecting rubbish in the Bitterne area for more than three years and the group has grown over time.

The group is sponsored by the Humble Plumb pub, which provides high-viability vests and litter pickers, and meet every three weeks on alternate Saturdays and Sundays to fit members needs.

Peartree ward councillor, Eamonn Keogh is often involved in the monthly litter picks.

He said: “The Bitterne Litter Team provides a fantastic voluntary public service, helping to keep the Bitterne district centre tidy for the local community.

"We’re especially grateful to David Eddy for his continued commitment, without whom this great work wouldn’t be possible.

“We hugely appreciate all of the voluntary litter picks done across the city.

"If any group wants to start a local pick then they can contact the council and we can support them, ensuring that the rubbish is collected afterwards and by lending them the necessary equipment.”