East Cambs residents are being encouraged to join in June’s month of community with a new litter picking competition – which will also help mark King Charles III’s Coronation.

East Cambridgeshire District Council has provided 22 participating parish councils with free litter pickers and high vis vests.

Residents and groups who wish to take part in the Month of Community can borrow the equipment free of charge to help clear up their local communities and improve the area for wildlife.

The three parishes which collect the most rubbish sacks per head of population will each receive a free bench or commemorative tree to officially mark the Coronation in East Cambridgeshire.

Cllr Julia Huffer, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Chair of the Operational Services Committee, said: “This simple yet effective initiative fits with the ethos of the Month of Communities which started on 1 June. It is a time to come together to celebrate everything that makes our local communities great. 

“We really hope as many people as possible will volunteer to take part. Clearing up litter from local hedgerows, footpaths and community areas make us all feel better and engenders a sense of pride in the area in which we live and it’s great for local wildlife too.”

Volunteers are being asked to leave black sacks with special Coronation stickers on them next to the nearest East Cambridgeshire District Council bin for collection and let their parish council know how many sacks they have filled when they return the equipment.

The three councils which have the most sacks per head of population between 1 June and 31 August can choose if they would like a free commemorative bench or a tree to help mark the Coronation.

The dedicated Month of Community web page is packed full of ideas of how to get involved, Month of Community images to download, Pride Month images, as well as details of awareness dates other organisations are celebrating throughout June.

To find out more including a list of participating parish councils visit the Month of Community page on our website.