Colyton litter pick raises almost £500 for Girl Guides and Children in Need

Brownies, Cubs and Scouts from Colyton led the way with a much-needed clean-up of the Peace Memorial Playing Fields.

The idea of a 'Cleanathon' came after the 1st Colyton Brownies took part in a group walk that included the town's playing field and spotted a large amount of litter.

"The girls were really disappointed by the amount of litter and rubbish that they found in such a short time and decided that they would take action and help the community whilst also raising funds for charity," said Brown Owl Karen Rattew.

The idea snowballed, becoming a sponsored event, and was even covered by BBC Spotlight and BBC Radio Devon.

As a result, the litter pick raised almost £500 for the BBC's Children in Need campaign and Girlguiding UK.

Karen added: "The children were amazed by what rubbish was dumped around the fields. They hope that in future people will be more responsible for their own litter and rubbish and either bin it or take it home with them in order to keep the community clean."

You can still donate here.

Other 1st Colyton Brownies activities over recent months have included attending the Remembrance Day service, a crabbing and chip supper visit to Axmouth Harbour, carnival participation in Colyton and Axminster, and making decorations for the Christmas tree at St Andrew's Church.

If you know of a girl aged between seven and 10 who would be interested in joining 1st Colyton Brownies please register your interest here.

With thanks to Colyton Parish Newsletter