Diane says: “I am proud to be part of the Hebburn Litter Pickers. They are such a dedicated team and they have come into litter-picking for a lot of different reasons – but importantly they all enjoy working as a team and making a difference.”
She recalls: “I can’t really remember not being a litter-picker! I remember litter-picking as a brownie, and a friend recently reminded me I set up a beach clean when working in Egypt aged 21. I’ve always been someone who occasionally picked up litter when out and about.
“In 2019, I met a lady who also was litter-picking and had a similar mind-set. This was really important – I knew I was not alone. We both joined the Hebburn Litter Pickers and we ended up leading the group together.”
This incredible group is leading the way in showing people how to love where they live. They are proud of their work encouraging volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. They engage young people in litter-picking, running events for clubs and local schools. The team has also helped nearly 20 young people to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award.
Di Thurston, Litter Heroes AmbassadorI am proud to be part of the Hebburn Litter Pickers. They are such a dedicated team and they have come into litter-picking for a lot of different reasons – but importantly they all enjoy working as a team and making a difference.
Diane says: “We are proud of this. We really see the value of our intergenerational team – volunteers of all ages benefit.”
The volunteers collect about 2,000 bags a litter per year and have begun to notice a less litter in the town. They also support community events and local companies with litter-picking and waste reduction.
Diane adds: “A really important thing for the volunteers is the community reaction to our work – we love it when people stop us to talk or thank us, or share positive comments on social media ."
When asked for their best tips to share with other volunteers, the group advised:
“Keep your community updated. We are really so lucky to have such a dedicated team of litter pickers in our town - but we are also fortunate to have so much vocal support from residents. We know that residents appreciate updates from the team. We try to vary the posts we share – highlighting the find of the week, the many people we need to thank, or profiles of the volunteers. This recognition means a lot to many of the volunteers."
And some members wanted to share their own personal advice.
Vicky: “Don’t mind what people will think or say. You’re spending your time doing something positive. You’ll meet lots of lovely people and it’s such a rewarding experience.”
Susan: “It’s a great way to meet new people and a bit of light exercise too.”
Marilyn: “ Just get out there enjoy the surroundings and meet loads of new people.”
Janet: “My only advice to anyone would be - if you're thinking about trying it, just do it as it's very rewarding, and you do meet some lovely people.”
Gladys: “It is very satisfying knowing you are making a difference to your town. Plus, the people are lovely and friendly. We work as a team and it never ceases to amaze me the number of people who come up to us and thank us for doing what we do. Also a bonus having Peter, aka our happy snapper, take photos and making us laugh when taking them.”
Di - "Keep going! If everyone picked up one piece of litter, there wouldn't be any so let's support more people to pick it up and to take it home in the first place."
Mollie Clay, Litter Heroes Programme Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Diane and the Hebburn Litter Pickers go above and beyond to not only clean up the local area, but to also support nature and the community. We're proud to call them Litter Heroes and celebrate the amazing work they do.”
*originally published 02/07/2025*