This year Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean took place between 28th May and 13th June. The annual event sees volunteers across the country take part in activities to make their local communities cleaner and tidier, with residents and community groups playing their part.

Catherine joined teams in Newcastle North on Saturday 12 June in North Kenton and Newbiggin Hall to do her bit as part of the Spring Clean.

In North Kenton, Catherine joined Councillors Ged Bell and Stephen Lambert to refresh planters in North Kenton and then took part in litter picking in North Kenton Park.

In the afternoon, Catherine then met up with Kingston Park South and Newbiggin Hall Councillors Alex Hay, George Pattison and Jacqui Robinson for a litter pick around the old and new shops in Newbiggin Hall.

Catherine commented: “It was great to do my bit as part of the Great British Spring Clean. Litter and the upkeep of local estates is something that I am always speaking with residents about and I know from those who we spoke to during the litter picks that the effort is really appreciated.

“Litter is bad for the environment and blights communities. It is a shame that a minority of people continue to drop litter and not use bins or take their litter with them.

“I know that lots of residents and community groups give up their time all year round to keep their areas tidy and I thank them for all the work that they do to take care for their areas.”