A CHEERY group of nearly 30 volunteers gathered in Stonehouse clad in fluorescent vests and armed with litter pickers on Monday morning.

The crowd did not seem to mind giving up their bank holiday to rid the streets of rubbish, such as discarded food wrappers and cans.

Organised jointly by Stonehouse Live and community centre All Pulling Together in Park Parade, the day was seen as an opportunity for the two organisations to work together.

Founder member of Stonehouse Live, John Aldis, said: "It is just something we do each year to try and clean the town up.

"It is all about civic pride – getting people to care about the area they live in.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with All Pulling Together."

Three teams were dispersed with black bin bags to the High Street, along the railway line and to the train station.

The old, the young, and the councillors were out in force, including former Stroud MP David Drew who sits on Stonehouse Town Council and Cllr Phil Bevan, Stroud District Council’s representative for the town.

Tina Galton, who lives in the High Street, pushed her granddaughter Hollie, two, in her buggy.

"It is ever so enjoyable", she said.

"Even the little ones enjoy it."

Tina’s daughter and mum of Hollie, Michelle Baxter said it was the family’s second year doing the litter pick.

"At the end you are quite proud that you have a big bag if rubbish. But it is quite sad seeing all that rubbish you have picked up," said Michelle, whose son Harry, seven, also helped to pick up litter.