VOLUNTEERS from litter picking groups joined forces for a clean-up operation after the floods.

A total of 29 volunteers have cleared more than 50 bags of rubbish that was left behind when the River Irwell burst its banks earlier this month.

The work force, joined by Emma Greenwood, Youth MP for Bury, focused their efforts on Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom.

Groups represented included Ramsbottom Litter Picking Group, Tottington Litter Pickers and Ramsbottom Running Club.

Jackie Griffiths, chair of the Ramsbottom Litter Picking Group said: "It’s unbelievable how much rubbish has been deposited in the park by the flood waters.

"It just goes to show how much of the litter dropped in the streets ends up in rivers, goodness knows how much is in the Irwell. We found enough rubbish to fill a skip that was donated to us by ISM Waste and Recycling, for which we are very grateful."

The group collected a wheelbarrow full of mesh fencing, more than 50 bin bags of ripped plastic and other rubbish, a "haul" of dog poo bags, a packet of bourbon creams from 2010, a live crayfish, wooden pallets, a shopping trolley and a washing machine drum.

Jane Edyvean, who runs Tottington Litter Pickers, said: "Much of the smaller pieces of rubbish were twisted up with brambles and tree debris. It was like picking plastic fruit from bushes.

"The single, easiest thing anyone can do to help the local environment is to stop dropping litter. The amount of rubbish left behind from the floods should be a wakeup call to everyone in the area."

Judith Mace, a volunteer, praised the work and dedication of Jackie and Jane and pointed out that a quick response was only possible due to the presence of established litter picking groups in the area.

The groups are in need of more volunteers to assist with additional litter picks planned for the park. Details of the events can be found on the Facebook pages for Litter Picking Ramsbottom and Tottington Litter Pickers.