An annual litter pick at Richards Castle yielded one of the largest hauls of discarded rubbish from alongside the village roads, footpaths and lanes in recent years.

Organised by Richards Castle WI president Gloria Corfield, the event aims to tidy up the village after the winter and to prepare the countryside for the expected influx of visitors at Easter.

“As usual, we had a good turnout of WI members and volunteers from the village and because the weather was more kind to us this year our litter-pickers were able to retrieve more rubbish than usual,” said Gloria.

Gloria Corfield said that a lot of the rubbish appeared to have been thrown from passing cars.

“We are always amazed at the number of spirit bottles that we find, mainly half-bottles that once contained vodka or gin, that have obviously been thrown from vehicles,” she said.

“This brings a whole new meaning and danger, to drinking while driving!

“After the event we all congregated at the village hall and shared warming teas and coffees that had been donated by one of our Women’s Institute supporting husbands.

“We are grateful again for the support of Shropshire Council Environmental Services for the loan of high-visibility protective vests and other equipment, and for picking-up the rubbish promptly after the event.”