EIGHTEEN bags of rubbish were collected by residents during an annual tidy.

Volunteers including Castle Point councillor Norman Smith braved the cold to clear up a bridleway in Bowers Road, Benfleet.

Mr Smith said “Well done to Jacqui Thornton plus the residents of Bowers Road and the surrounding turnings who wrapped up and braved the cold weather to make this beautiful piece of local woodland litter free.”

Other clean ups are taking place on March 2 at Thorney Bay, Canvey, from 10am and the Clean Green Team will be at Hadleigh Memorial Recreation Ground.

On March 3, the Thundersley Big Spring Clean will take place from 1pm until 4pm from Thundersley Congregational Church, Kenneth Road.