DETERMINED young volunteers have collected more than 150 bags of rubbish as part of a challenge to honour the late Captain Tom Moore.

Around 30 families from The Walney Wind Cheetah Cubs took part in a community Spring Clean over Bank Holiday weekend.

The challenge was set up to pay tribute to Captain Tom Moore, who died in February aged 100, while also raising funds for Mind in Furness.

Coach of the running club Dave Gomersall said the young volunteers were ‘eager and enthusiastic’ to clean up their communities.

SMILES: Aidan Munro, Eve Clarkson and Lewis Clarkson

SMILES: Aidan Munro, Eve Clarkson and Lewis Clarkson

He said: “We wanted to join in on the Captain Tom 100 challenge which is taking part in something centred around the number 100.

“Because of Covid restrictions, we couldn’t meet up so we decided that everyone should go around litter picking in their area.

“It was mainly on Walney but we had a few people in Barrow and Ulverston taking part too.

“We managed to collect 152 bags over the weekend, surpassing our target of 100.

“There was loads of great responses to the challenge. People brought their kids along and it was really well received.

 SPRING CLEAN: Edith, Alfie, Stanley and Ollie took part in the cleaning challenge

SPRING CLEAN: Edith, Alfie, Stanley and Ollie took part in the cleaning challenge

“Some people said they didn’t think there was much litter in Barrow so I think they were surprised to see how much we did pick up in the end.

“From the skate park alone, we collected 11 bags of rubbish over the weekend.”

Mr Gomersall said it was ‘very important’ to involve the younger generation in community initiatives like clean ups.

“It’s really important we involve kids in challenges like this and cleaning up their community - they really enjoyed it,” he said.

TEAM WORK: The Blackburn Family collected 18 bags of rubbish on Saturday from Walney Park

TEAM WORK: The Blackburn Family collected 18 bags of rubbish on Saturday from Walney Park

“It was also a special way for them to honour Captain Tom whilst raising money for Mind in Furness which is a local charity which needs our support more than ever.”

The group raised more than £600 for Mind in Furness. To donate, visit: https://localgiving.org/charity/walney-wind-cheetah-cubs.