A LITTER-PICKING group is putting on a special pair of events in honour of a special nationwide clean-up.

Halstead in Bloom is taking part in the Great British Spring Clean for 2022.

The group has been running for more than 20 years after being formed in 2000.

The charity relies completely on donations and sponsorship, and its mission is “to clear, clean and brighten the town of Halstead for the benefit of residents, those who work in the town and our many visitors”.

Group member Christine Laurence, 67, who lives in Halstead, has been part of the group for about six years.

She said: “I got involved when I retired, as I thought I’d like to do something.

“My neighbour is very involved, so through word of mouth and living in the town seeing what the group was doing, I joined in.”

Now, they are taking part in the Great British Spring Clean, which is back for its seventh year from March 25 to April 10.

The message this year is to join the #BigBagChallenge and pledge to pick up as much litter as possible during the campaign.

Halstead in Bloom wanted to take place in the event in 2020, however it had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, and in 2021, they could not do any group activities so it was shelved again.

Now, the charity is looking forward to taking part in the nationwide event.

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Halstead in Bloom will be staging two litter-picking events during the campaign and are welcoming anyone who is willing and able to help.

Christine added: “We are hoping to get as many involved as possible.

“Hopefully, as it is a national event, more people will be interested in joining in.”

The first event takes place on March 27 when the meeting point is Sainsbury’s carpark at 10.30am.

The second is on April 5, meeting in the carpark behind the Halstead Icing Shop at 2pm.

Litter-picking sticks and bags will be provided.

For more information, to join in, or make the group aware of areas in the town that could do with being cleaned up, contact Christine Laurence on 07484 291713 or at cmlaurence@btinternet.com.