A COUNCIL is urging residents to take good care of the environment and shows their gratitude towards its 'Green Heart Champions'.

After nine-year-old Halstead volunteer Summer Stewart shared her journey to save wildlife in her region, council environment boss Wendy Schmitt wanted to congratulate Green Champions who help to litter pick in the Braintree district. 

She said: "It's always fantastic to hear about the efforts our Green Heart Champions go to in their spare time to keep our district clean and tidy.

"We are very proud to have so many members of the community who show how much they care about our environment. 

"As more and more volunteers step up to the challenge to help keep litter off our streets, parks and green spaces, it is obvious that from the number of junior volunteers wishing to become a champion, how important it is to them and how much they are concerned about the future of our planet.

"It’s a shame there is a lack of respect from litter offenders who insist on spoiling our beautiful areas.

"A huge thank you to all the Green Heart Champions out there, especially to Summer and all the children who are wanting to look after our beautiful areas and by leading by example, not to throw litter.”