A campaign to raise litter awareness across Essex has received major honours at the Keep Britain Tidy Awards.

The Love Essex campaign saw all 15 local authorities in the county join forces with the Highways Agency and 75 fast food stores to tackle littering.

It has resulted in a 41 per cent reduction in litter in the areas monitored as part of the scheme.

The campaign was given the Diamond Jubilee Partnership Award at a ceremony last week.

Terri Sargent, Basildon councillor responsible for environment, said: “Keeping our streets clean is a key priority for Basildon Council which is why we gave our support to this very worthwhile campaign.

“We have made a pledge to our residents to get the basics right and clean streets is a great example of this.

“I am delighted the campaign achieved its aim and is being recognised with this award.”

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for all those who were shortlisted, and for the winners to be recognised for their continuous hard work in improving the environment for themselves and for others.”