Members of Tonbridge Canoe Club united for a little pick on the banks of the River Medway this month.

Willing volunteers proved their worth as 'Gold Environmental Champions' when they took to their canoes on a wet and chilly day to clear the river of debris.

They paddled from Town Lock to Eldridges and used two empty canoes as large floating bins.

Along the way they collected plastic bags, builders' waste bags, glass bottles, take-away food containers, a chair and a fishing line caught up in a tree.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council disposed of the items.

The clean-up is the latest in a series of organised litter picks carried out by the club over the past year.

Their efforts have had a noticeable impact on the appearance of the river and the environment around it and in June last year Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council recognised the efforts with a Gold Environmental Champion Award.

Dennis Gardner, head of waste and street scene services for the council said: “I am impressed with the work the Canoe Club has carried out and I extend my thanks to all involved. Community involvement has proved to be an invaluable asset to Tonbridge and this latest effort has made a noticeable difference to the river and its banks.”

The Environmental Champions scheme aims to encourage more people to make an extra effort to improve the environment.

It is open to all Tonbridge and Malling residents and anyone can nominate a person or a group to become an champion.

To nominate an individual or a group call 01732 876295 or email waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk.