Three parishes in East Cambridgeshire who pick up the most rubbish sacks per head of population will win a free bench or commemorative tree to officially mark King Charles III’s Coronation.

East Cambs District Council has provided 22 participating parish councils with free litter pickers and high vis vests as part of the litter-picking competition.

The contest is being held as part of June's 'month of community' and residents and groups who wish to take part can borrow the equipment free of charge.

Cllr Julia Huffer, the council’s deputy leader and chair of the operational services committee, said: “This simple yet effective initiative fits with the ethos of the 'month of communities' which started on June 1.

“It is a time to come together to celebrate everything that makes our local communities great. 

“We really hope as many people as possible will volunteer to take part.

“Clearing up litter from local hedgerows, footpaths and community areas make us all feel better and engenders a sense of pride in the area in which we live and it’s great for local wildlife too.”

Volunteers are being asked to leave black sacks with coronation stickers on them next to the nearest East Cambridgeshire District Council bin for collection and let their parish council know how many sacks they have filled when they return the equipment.

The three councils which have the most sacks per head of population between June 1 and August 31 can choose if they would like a free commemorative bench or a tree to help mark the coronation.

The dedicated 'month of community' web page is packed full of ideas of how to get involved, 'month of community' images to download, Pride Month images, as well as details of awareness dates other organisations are celebrating throughout June.