Colchester locals are being urged to get litter picking this winter.

The appeal comes from Colchester City Council, encouraging residents in their part to upkeep the town's cleanliness between January 15 and February 15.

Usually hidden by vegetation in the warmer months, litter becomes more visible during winter.

The council's Neighbourhood Services team will provide litter pickers, bags, and if necessary, hi-vis jackets.

They promise to collect and appropriately recycle filled bags.

Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods and Waste, said: "I’m delighted to be encouraging residents to get together and help clean up Colchester this Winter.

"Litter-picking is an easy and fun way to get active, improve your wellbeing, and take care of the environment on your doorstep."

The initiative builds on existing efforts by the Colchester Civic Society, who previously staged three clean-up sessions at The Moors last winter, collecting around 100 bags of rubbish.

Additionally, they organised ongoing sessions throughout the year, including their participation in the Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean and a summer session at St Botolph's Priory in 2023.

For those wanting to make a more sustained contribution to their community’s tidiness, the council suggests signing up to become Litter Warriors.

More information is available on the council's website.