A HORRIFIED Peeblesshire mum decided to take matters into her hands after discovering a popular play area for her young children was ruined by litter.

And when Anja Rodenbroker called on villagers in West Linton to help out they rallied to the cause.

Around 13 residents took part last Sunday in the clean up around the woodlands of Medwyn Road and the golf club.

Anja found rubbish - including dog litter bags - strewn around when she took her sons Sam, three, and one-year-old twins Liam and Fraser to play there.

“It’s a small area of woodland and it’s usually really nice to roam around there but it was spoiled this time by all the litter,” she said.

Anja and her husband Peter Menzies decided they must do something about it and she and Sam began pushing letters through residents’ doors to organise the event.

“We got a fantastic response,” said Anja. “On the morning, most of our neighbours came out to support us and a number of passers-by were inspired to organise similar events.

“It was agreed that we should do it again - although it would be nice to think that it wouldn’t be necessary. I am hopeful that it won’t need to be done again in three months’ time but I think there is a good chance another clean up will have to be done in six months.”