A Stamford litter picking group have found a huge haul of tennis balls in a local waterway.

The find, that has been dubbed 'dogs treasure', was dredged up from Welland River by a group of individuals picking litter under the 'Pride of Stamford Litter Pickers' umbrella.

The group is made up of a small band of dedicated, self-funded litter pickers from across Stamford. They pick around the streets of Stamford and the beautiful countryside roads and verges around the town.

"Any were there is litter, we will be," they explained.

Made up of a wide cross section of the community, all ages can be seen out picking at all times of day and night.

They have come across some startling finds in their time, from 30-year-old crisp packets, to furry beanbags.

This week, they have collected approximately 30 tennis balls lost in the river by dogs that needed some ball control training from Stamford AFC!

One of the litter pickers, Rachel Miller, joked: "Come on Stamford folk, looks like the dogs need some training on how to fetch!"

Litter picking is undertaken by 1000's of UK residents across the country - a necessity after funding cuts implemented by the local and national Government that means this sort of maintenance is falling to volunteers.

Image credit: Nub News.

Leading UK litter picking group, Keep Britain Tidy, say: "Litter blights our streets, parks and beaches and costs us millions of pounds to clear up every year. Keep Britain Tidy is here to inspire people to eliminate litter now and for future generations.

"This is about more than simply getting people to pick up litter. We aim to change behaviour permanently by spotlighting the problem daily and offering creative solutions.

"We work with people, businesses, local authorities and government to educate, innovate and inspire - improving the environment on everyone's doorstep."

Get involved with Keep Britain Tidy via their website.

Alternatively, join your local group by following Pride of Stamford Litter Pickers on Facebook.