OUTDOOR enthusiasts in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to arrange their own clean-ups at the areas they frequently use.

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has joined forces with Sustrans Scotland, Jog Scotland and Paths for All to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to take collective ownership for the paths that help to support their outdoor activities.

Throughout April and May, the organisations are encouraging all outdoor users to help remove rubbish from popular walking and cycle paths, and help to preserve the natural environment that they regularly enjoy.

The Active Travel Week is running as part of the charity’s annual spring clean initiative and runs until Saturday.

Last year more than 30,000 people participated in the annual spring clean campaign - helping to remove more than 300 tonnes of litter from across the country.

Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Keep Scotland Beautiful is calling for everyone from across Scotland to take part in our annual spring clean campaign.

“The Active Travel week allows a special focus on people being active and picking up litter as they go, or venturing outdoors to help protect the areas they love and enjoy.

“We are very proud of everyone’s hard work and hope that lots of people will take part - helping to make 2019 the most successful Spring Clean campaign to date.”

Sustrans, the UK charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, regularly hold litter picks on the national cycle network which runs through Helensburgh and Lomond.

Laura White, Sustrans’ network engagement volunteer said: “We encourage everyone who uses the National Cycle Network to lend a hand in keeping it in great condition. Litterpicks can be surprisingly social occasions and very rewarding”

Ian Findlay, Paths for All’s chief officer, commented: “Welcoming and fit for purpose walking environments are essential for local communities to access and enjoy. This is why we’re encouraging our 150 Health Walk groups, hundreds of Community Path volunteers, and several workplaces engaged in our walking activities across Scotland to take part in the Spring Clean.

“Together, we can help make our outdoor environments an enjoyable and litter-free place to walk, cycle or jog in.”