TWO community groups joined forces on Saturday for the benefit of residents and visitors to March. Young People March (YPM) and the Street Pride Volunteers managed to litter pick large stretches of the river bank that runs through the centre of the town.

TWO community groups joined forces on Saturday for the benefit of residents and visitors to March.Young People March (YPM) and the Street Pride Volunteers managed to litter pick large stretches of the river bank that runs through the centre of the town.About 15 children from the YPM Junior Club and 10 adult supervisors litter picked the banks of the River Nene within West End Park. They were also joined by a Millennium Volunteer, who is hoping to gain a nationally recognised MV award through volunteering to help with local projects.The Street Pride Volunteers concentrated on litter picking further up the river. The group of 15 adults and children spent aboiut two hours litter picking in Nene Parade and North Drive Park. Four generations of the same community-minded family turned out despite the cold weather. They were Brenda Garner (great grandmother), Carolyn Brown (grandmother), Rebecca Black (mother) and daughter Jessica Black. The joint effort resulted in almost 40 sacks of litter being cleared from the river banks. All who took part were rewarded with swimming vouchers which can be used at any of the council's three leisure centres.Jo Hart, Street Pride co-ordinator said: "It was great to be able to work with another community-minded group on this environmental project. We hope to work with YPM and other similar groups in the future."Councillor Peter Murphy, portfolio holder for Streets Ahead, said: "It is particularly pleasing to see our own excellent Council Volunteers being joined by a community group in such a worthwhile project.