MORE than 50 bags of rubbish were collected in a clean-up operation at the Seven Fields nature reserve in Penhill.

A combined effort between the council and a local conservation group also collected a number of shopping trolleys, car tyres and tree decorations in the clear-up.

Karl Curtis, from the Swindon Services Ranger Team, pictured right, said: "We've found quite a few plastic bags filled with dog mess hung from tree branches.

"There's just no need for this because there are bins all around the periphery."

Karl explained that the focus of the litter pick was to involve the community in maintaining the beauty of the nature reserve.

He said: "Seven Fields really is a gem and it's important that people get out here and enjoy it."

Nick Brock, pictured left, lead neigh-bourhood warden for Penhill, said: "We are here for the people of Penhill, and we're happy to see that they've got involved in the clear-up."

Posters were put up around the area advertising the litter pick, complete with plastic bags for local people to fill with rubbish.

Marilyn Beale, secretary of the Seven Fields conservation group said: "We had a great response from the bags we put out, which shows that people care about Seven Fields."

For further information go to www.sevenfields .org.uk or ring the ranger team on 01793 490150.