Scores of volunteers armed with black bags rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in to cleaning up the Otter estuary during its annual clean-up.

The Otter estuary is a cleaner place today, thanks to a band of selfless volunteers picking up rubbish.

The annual litter pick took place on Saturday as an army of helpers scoured the banks of the river for litter and debris carried on the tides.

Budleigh Salterton’s mayor, Councillor Tom Wright, and Kimmo Evans, from East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) AONB team, joined forces with the other volunteers to lend a hand in the clean-up campaign.

The event was organised by the Otter Valley Association, who thanked everyone who gave up their time to help out.

A spokesman said: “Enthusiastic volunteers were rewarded with beautiful weather and some unusual items at the annual clearance of the Otter estuary.

“Debris swept in from the sea and downstream by the river can be hazardous for the wildlife, so co-ordinated action by the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, the Otter Valley Association and EDDC aims to eliminate plastic, tyres, fishing lines etc from this important habitat.”

Many volunteers went home with a trophy for their clean-up efforts. Olly Swain was announced the winner of the OVA litter pick youth prize