A CRUSADING litter picker was left heartbroken after discovering a huge mound of discarded bottles and rubbish in Middlewich.

Dog lover Anne Russell has picked up litter as she walked her dog on Sutton Field twice a day for 26 years. Sadly her beloved black labrador Esther, who was 15, died in March.

Northwich Guardian:

Anne  and  her beloved black labrador Esther

Residents have hailed her as an 'angel' for keeping the town tidy.

The semi retired florist is a member of the Middlewich Clean Team and collects litter every day in her trolley.

"It just breaks my heart that the youth of today has no respect for where they live. I'm in my 60s and if I ever dropped litter when I was young I'd have got a clout round the earhole."

Anne was appalled to find dumped bin bags and a stack of empty bottles.

Northwich Guardian:

Anne filled her trolley full of rubbish

The middle part of the field and the back of the building was abysmal," said Anne."I filled my trolley twice plus several carrier bags with lots of cans and bottles. "There was lots of paper lying round with a dozen bus tickets from Manchester so does this mean they've come to Middlewich to meet friends?"

The Middlewich Clean Team, founded by Janet Chisholm 15 years ago, has around 100 members who used to meet up regularly for a litter pick.

During lockdown they are each looking after the areas near their homes.

"I've seen it all from underpants to condoms," said Anne, who worked at the breeding centre of Guide Dogs for the Blind for 11 years before becoming a florist for 17 years.

"I started using a trolley to pick up litter a couple of years ago when I had trouble with my shoulder."

Anne invited people to suggest names for her trolley and has decided to call it Dolly.

"I like the thoughts of being a trolley dolly," she said. "I still walk round the field twice a day with my trolley which I have adorned with flowers. I have a little picker and bags supplied by the team.

"I don't want a medal or anything, there's a team of us out there, but it's nice to be recognised."

A spokesman for the Middlewich Clean Team said: "Anne Russell is an absolute angel for clearing this but she should not have to."

Lynne Hardy said: "Thank you and all who keep our beautiful town looking good."

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