Several years' worth of flytipped garden waste was collected in a major clear-up event at Norwich's Marl Pit wood on Saturday morning.

A group involving the Friends of Marl Pit wood, Norwich City Council staff and West Norwich army cadets worked together to remove a skip-load of waste that had been illegally dumped there over the years.

The council provided support, the skip, and refreshments and people in the area helped with the work to improve their neighbourhood.

Robin Woodruff, the chairman of the Friends of Marlpit wood, said: 'It went very well. The cadets worked extremely hard clearing what they could, and we carried out an in-depth litter pick.

'We found rubbish and carpets that had been buried for ages but that we had missed in the past.

'We were going to plant 200 hawthorn trees on the day, but the weather was too inclement, so we put that back to February 25.'

Louise Curtis, the council's community engagement officer, West and Lakenham, said: 'The Friends of Marlpit wood have worked hard to improve the wood and it's great to get them a bit of recognition.

'The cadets were really up for the challenge, and it's so lovely to see young people helping in the community and being so positive.'

If people want to know more about the Friends of Marlpit wood they can email friendsofmarlpitwood@gmail.com or call 01603 213582.

The West Norwich detachment of army cadets meets at Clover Hill village hall on Wednesdays - for more information visit www.norfolkacf.com or call 01603 789514.

What are you doing in Norwich to improve the environment? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.