Since the first UK lockdown, people have turned to green spaces across the UK in the hopes of some much-needed exercise.

But with that has come an increase in litter.

On April 11, around 30 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God and Sutton residents gathered to clean St Helier's open space.

Within two hours, volunteers had picked up 64 bags of litter, including scrap items such as tires and metals.

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Volunteer Pamela Cordova said: "As people get to spend more time in green spaces due to the Covid-19 regulations, there's been an increase in litter.

"By making Sutton a more beautiful and cleaner place, we wanted to inspire a more beautiful mind within the community.

"The simple act of cleaning up the area can make an impact in reducing crime.

"Clean-ups are important to reduce the environmental impact of litter and waste on the wildlife, land and water that can become contaminated and feeding into sewers."

She added: "We believe in God the Father and God the Mother.

"A mother cares for her household even down to the smallest of details. In the same way, members wanted to share the love of Heavenly Mother to give Sutton’s parks and streets a heartfelt cleaning.

"The volunteers hope to bring joy to the Sutton community by helping to make the place cleaner and tidier, which improves wellbeing and mental health."

The environmental clean-up campaigns by the World Mission Society Church of God are carried out across the globe every month. The organisation was founded in South Korea in 1964.