15-20 bags of rubbish were collected in a recent community litter pick by Our Fit Hub along the canal around Newbury

A fitness club is acting to keep our canal ways clean, writes Bethany Sirianni.

Our Fit Hub, which has gyms in Newbury and Thatcham, has been making a conscious effort to clean up the area.

On Saturday’s, August 2 and August 9, members of the club have been walking along the canal towards Thatcham and towards Guyer’s Lock to remove litter.

They collected around 15 to 20 bags of rubbish over four hours on a short route.

They are hoping to organise more litter picks over the summer months with members of the club.

Steve Box, the organiser of the litter picks, said: “I decided to set them up because at the club we have been seeking to increase the number of social activities people can participate in.

“Doing this was a great way of giving people an opportunity to do that whilst also giving something back to the local community, for what is in the grand scheme of things a small amount of time that they need to give up on a weekend.”

“I do all of this voluntarily and I'm pleased I can do something of value for the community.”