Hundreds of Renfrewshire locals removed more than 3,200 bags of litter from the area during this year’s Big Spring Clean.

From March to April, more than 725 people including volunteers, community groups, schools and businesses took part in litter picks across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages as part of the campaign.

Council officers carried out 26 educational talks in schools about nurturing the environment and the difference they can make.

Rebecca Lawson, headteacher at Thorn Primary School, said: "All pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed participating in this event which included input from the Big Clean team on the importance of looking after our environment.

The Gazette: Council officers carried out 26 educational talks in schools about nurturing the environment and

"This fits very well with our school value of respect, enabling the pupils to be respectful of their school environment."

Ella, a pupil at Thorn Primary School, said she enjoyed getting outside and cleaning up the playground and gate area.

She added: "It is important because when the rubbish gets into the water and then the ocean the sea's creatures can swallow it.”

Seventeen people also contributed their efforts at various retail parks throughout the eight-week programme.

In a first for this year’s campaign, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) hosted wildflower planting sessions for Renfrewshire’s community groups and the public.

Evergreen Elderslie, the West End Growing Grounds Association (WAGG), and Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners (RAGG) organised three community workshops, which were participated in by 37 individuals.

The Gazette: Hundreds of Renfrewshire locals removed more than 3,200 bags of litter from the area during this

Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board at Renfrewshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people volunteer to make a positive difference in their communities by participating in the Big Spring Clean.

“As a council, we’re working hard to enhance our own street cleaning, gulley clearing and litter picking as part of the campaign, while also providing support to volunteers who want to take part locally.

“The Big Spring Clean and Team Up to Clean Up are prime examples of what can be achieved when what the council and community work together.

"It’s encouraging to see the difference the volunteers have made to their neighbourhoods and the level of pride that local people are taking in where they live.”