Staff, management and volunteers pitch in to turn Burnley green

The community clean up was organised by volunteers from Coveris in Burnley as part of the day that is dedicated to eradicating plastic in the environment.

Staff from Burnley Council and Urbaser who work in partnership to tackle waste and promote recycling also joined in the initative.

Staff at the packaging manufacturing company, based in Netherwood Road, took the initiative to mark Earth Day which falls on Sunday.

With the recent coverage of the controversy of plastic polluting the environment, the Earth Day Movement is focusing on raising awareness and reducing plastic littering our natural environment.

The clean-up saw litter-picking along the full length of Netherwood Road from Queen Victoria Road end to the pond area.

Coveris staff also planted trees in the area.

One of the volunteers taking part said he felt it was a very worthwhile project saying: "The amount of litter that we picked up was considerable.

"There were seven full bags collected in the first hour. It brings home to you that we all need to dispose of the packaging we use in a responsible way, and of course recycle things wherever possible.

“Over just a few hours, though, we could see the difference we were making. It shows that if everyone does their bit, and makes sure to tidy up after themselves, it really does help the environment."