AROUND 45 volunteers took part in an environmental clean-up in Bury which highlighted the flooding risk posed by fly-tipping and littering.

They cleared a 500-yard stretch of riverbank in the town's Gigg Lane area, and was organised by Faiths 4 Change, the Environment Agency, Bury Asian Women's Centre, Asian Development Association Bury, New Springs Community Group, and the Lancashire Council of Mosques.

Several local councillors took part, including Redvales representatives Tamoor Tariq and Shaheena Haroon, who has been involved with the project since the outset.

Judith Kelly, a local candidate for the forthcoming council elections, who helped to organise the event, said: "It was brilliant to see so many people from different communities and groups come together to improve an area of Bury affected by rubbish and litter.

"People were keen to set an example and involve their children in the clear up. We all have a responsibility to make our communities great places to live and this joint working showed people do care and will make that effort.

"The area along the River Roch at the back of Redmere Drive certainly looked better after a couple of hours work and the sight of so many volunteers out improving the area will hopefully encourage others to keep it clear."

Ali Amla, associate project manager of Faiths 4 Change, said: "The primary aim of the project is to raise awareness of floods in these areas, caused by fly-tipping and littering. Volunteers collected 60 bags of rubbish."

All the helpers finished their stint with a meal at the children's centre in Redvales