A team of volunteers sprung into action for the spring clean of a doorstep green.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Alex Kemp and Elizabeth Nockolds joined Harding's Pits Community Association volunteers in the Harding's Way clean up. Picture: Mike NobbsCouncillor Alex Kemp and Elizabeth Nockolds joined Harding's Pits Community Association volunteers in the Harding's Way clean up. Picture: Mike Nobbs (Image: Mike Nobbs)

The Harding's Pits Community Association (HPCA) organised a litter-pick along Harding's Way in King's Lynn, a bus-only route popular with dog-walkers and cyclists.

But the route suffers from large quantities of rubbish being thrown along its length, which not only ruins the landscape but threatens the abundant wildlife in the area.

More than 20 volunteers took part in the spring clean on Saturday, March 24 morning and, within an hour of litter-picking, they managed to fill close to 20 bin bags with rubbish.

Eastern Daily Press: Hardings Pits Doorstep Green, in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris BishopHardings Pits Doorstep Green, in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Some of their findings included beer cans, cigarettes ends, a pickaxe, a scooter, a car seat, shoes and a case of needles.

'It's absolutely disgusting,' said volunteer Neville Jackman, 72. 'I'm sick and tired of seeing the filth lying around.

'We'll come back tomorrow and there will be rubbish here.'

Eastern Daily Press: A case of needles found during the spring clean in Harding's Way, King's Lynn. Picture: Taz AliA case of needles found during the spring clean in Harding's Way, King's Lynn. Picture: Taz Ali (Image: Taz Ali)

Mr Jackman has been volunteering with HPCA for a year. When asked why he joined, he said: 'Who else is going to do it? I walk up here quite regularly.'

Chairman of the association, Jane Dearling, said the group tries to arrange a clean-up once a month.

'We had a lot of people who we didn't know were coming which was really nice,' she added.

Eastern Daily Press: Part of the Hardings Pits Doorstep Green, alongside hardings Way. Picture: Chris BishopPart of the Hardings Pits Doorstep Green, alongside hardings Way. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Harding's Pits is one of the largest doorstep greens in the country, covering five and a half acres between the River Great Ouse and River Nar.

Many statues carved in natural wood litter the green, with many shaped as whales to commemorate the town's importance in the whaling industry between the 16th and 19th century.

Joining the litter-pick were West Norfolk councillor Elizabeth Nockolds and county councillor Alex Kemp.

Ms Kemp said: 'It is very peaceful here and it would be helpful if people didn't litter. 'I like to keep the area clean and tidy for people, and when I talk to them it shows how important this area is to them. 'I found lots of cans and cigarette ends, every picture tells a story. 'Jane and all the volunteers do a terrific job to keep this historic outdoor museum clean.'

The next clean up on Harding's Pits will be on Saturday, April 14. Anybody who would like to join should contact HPCA at janedearling@googlemail.com or call 01553 760513.