Families and supporters of Friends of the Earth gathered in Ipswich on Saturday afternoon to clear up the area around Cardinal Park.

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDIpswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Environmental campaigner Jason Alexander, from the Rubbish Walks, was joined by former Ipswich MP Sandy Martin, and volunteers spent around an hour collecting discarded fast food packaging, abandoned cans and other litter.

Mr Alexander, who arranged the litter pick in collaboration with Friends of the Earth, said: "I think most of the families taking part had done some kind of litter pick before and all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Stowmarket Mercury: Some of the rubbish collected from around the Cardinal Park area Picture: RUBBISH WALKSSome of the rubbish collected from around the Cardinal Park area Picture: RUBBISH WALKS (Image: Archant)

"Though they were all shocked to see how much rubbish was collected in such a short space of time in such a small area.

"You can walk around an area and it might not look that bad but it is only when you look closely you find litter hidden in the undergrowth."

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDIpswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Overall the group collected 217 plastic bottles and 264 cans, amongst the rubbish found were vintage gin glasses and a catheter bag - which Mr Alexander described as "disgusting".

Following the litter pick Mr Alexander is calling on businesses in the area to do more tackle to deal with rubbish around the cinema and restaurant complex: "It would be great if the businesses took a bit of initiative and responsibility - it would really give something back to the area."

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDIpswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Rubbish Walks are in the process of setting up the Ipswich Wombles which will allow different community groups in Ipswich to hold their own litter picks

'Womble stations' will also be set up in the town where families or individuals can use a litter picking kit which will be kept at designated cafes and other local businesses.

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDIpswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Read more: Childrens' book aimed at taking care of environment released

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDIpswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDIpswich Friends of the Earth and Rubbish Walks litter pick in Ipswich Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Stowmarket Mercury: Jason Alexander counting up the rubbish collected, The litter pickers found 217 plastic bottles, 264 cans and 81 glass bottles and glasses Picture: RUBBISH WALKSJason Alexander counting up the rubbish collected, The litter pickers found 217 plastic bottles, 264 cans and 81 glass bottles and glasses Picture: RUBBISH WALKS (Image: Archant)