The third annual International Clean Up Mansfield Day was the biggest and most successful event yet with more than 50 participants sprucing up Mansfields around the world.

The event on Friday 12 June was organised by Mansfield District Council and attracted community groups, schools, businesses and individuals both here and in the USA and Canada.

Events were due to take place in Texas, Connecticut, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts in the USA, plus Ontario in Canada.

In the UK, Mansfield BID was joined by staff from Royal Bank of Scotland, Mansfield Building Society, Boots and M&S to paint benches, railings and bollards in Mansfield town centre.

Mayor Kate Allsop and Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment, joined pupils and staff from Asquith Primary School to pick up litter on Jackson’s Field. Councillors, neighbourhood wardens and other council staff also took part in community litter picks.

Local conservation groups, Scouts, Framework and Corner House Care Home were among those who took part in one of a wide range of activities included trimming hedges, planting flowers, weeding and wildlife surveys.

All the local participants will be invited to an awards ceremony at the end of September where certificates and prizes will be presented.

Following the success, the date for next year’s event has been set for Friday, 10th June 2016. You can find further details and sign up online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/cleanup

Coun Tristram said: “We are delighted that this event gets bigger and better with new Mansfields around the world joining us every year.

“The photographs taken on the day show that the activities really did make a difference to the local environment and I’d like to thank everyone who gave up their time to take part. We hope you can all join us again next year.”