On Sunday 21st August, about 20 volunteers came to help clear away rubbish from around Minster Pond, off Bishops Rise in Hatfield.

Organiser Cllr Dean Archer, accompanied by Cllr Kim Langley and Town Council boss Carrie Lloyd were among those rolling up their sleeves to fill 22 bags with bottles, cans and general litter and then separate them into recyling bins.

As Minster Pond is a home for the protected crested newt, care was taken not to disturb the wet environment.

Nevertheless, a rusty old bike and two estate agents boards were recovered from its margins.

Older volunteers recalled that the pond was once within the grounds of a former nursery that was run by a Mrs Pina and her Italian husband in the late 1950s - early 60s.

More community clear-ups will be happening as the growing band of volunteers find these events both fun and rewarding.

There was even one chap travel in from St.Albans after reading about it on the the internet!

Thanks also go to Hatfield Town Council for providing equipment, bins and bags.

Volunteers included: Mark Lampert, Peter Bush, Tim Crawley, Cllr Kim Langley, Suzy, Dave & Natalie Ensor (Colney Heath), Rob Cole (St Albans), Sam & Sophie Dellaway, Nicky Gash, Sam Ashfield, Carrie LLoyd, Fred Hills, Ian Gregory, Jack Kampmier, PCSO Bryant, PC Glen Cook, John, Craig, Lily & Karen Fitzpatric, Sue, Emily & Jaime Archer, Michael Kennedy, Sue B (FOTE) , Steve the Butterfly Man (FOTE)

- "Your community spirit is fantastic and I thank you all again" said Cllr Archer.

If you want a local area cleaned up, please email news@hatfieldnews.net with details.