A south Norfolk wide litter pick which saw thousands of bags of rubbish collected throughout the district has come to a close with the volunteers who took part recognised for their hard work.

Around 2,000 people from 20 different groups, clubs and associations took part in South Norfolk Council's Big Litter Pick 2018, between them organising more than 100 litter picks in villages and towns across the area.

Now, in recognition of their efforts groups which took part in the litter pick have been awarded with gift voucher, and entered into a draw to win a share of a £4,000 prize fund. Split between south Norfolk's five neighbourhoods, Tiffey, Northern, The Taz Valley, Eastern and Waveney, in each neighbourhood four winning groups were each awarded £200 to be spent on their local area. One such group, The Pennoyer Centre in Pulham Saint Mary, had more than 20 people attend its litter pick event. David Howlett the centre manager explained why the organisation had taken part in the event: 'We are a business community and a heritage centre in the middle of a small rural village and obviously we are very much into the community spirit of the village, we like to do our bit in every way we can.'

Councillor Kay Mason Billig, SNC cabinet member for Environment and Recycling said: 'We are proud of the fact that south Norfolk is one of the best and most beautiful places to live in the country. We are also proud of the help and support that we get from our communities to keep south Norfolk looking neat and tidy.

'I would like to thank everyone who gave up their time and got involved in the Big Litter Pick. Our residents' hard work makes a real difference to our communities and I would also like to say congratulations to all of our winners.'

SNC helped groups organise litter picks by providing advice and the necessary equipment, every group which took part or held an event as part of the Big Litter Pick 2018 was given a £20 voucher to be spent on their association, charity or local community.