SELFLESS volunteers cleared away scores of bags of litter found in Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion Gardens this morning.

As part of The Argus-led City Makers campaign, more than 30 volunteers met outside the Pavilion Gardens Café for free refreshments before getting stuck in with a pair of gloves, a litter grabber, and a bin bag provided by members of Brighton & Hove’s City Council Cityclean team.

Garden manager Robert Hill-Snook said litter levels were good compared to other days. But despite this helpers, including councillors and teams from businesses, uncovered plastic, cigarette butts, cups, glass bottles, cans. Some of the more unusual discoveries included laughing gas containers, discarded toys and other belongings.

Michael Beard, editor of The Argus, said: “A million thanks to everyone who took part in the event.

“We hope this is the start of something big. We know the gardens are a sensitive area and litter is known to be a problem here. We may return here with another litter pick and we may visit other areas in the city. “The main thing is that we want people to get involved and tell us where there are problems and where they think we should be picking up litter.”

A team of staff from the city’s American Express Service Centre took part.

Jill Grafflin, vice president of World Service UK American Express, said: “It’s encouraging to see businesses and residents get behind The Argus in maintaining the historic Royal Pavilion Gardens - one of the city’s most popular attractions for visitors and residents alike. The City Makers initiative showcases great community spirit and pride in the City where we live and work.”

Café owner David Sewell helped to pick up litter between serving customers, and handed out free tea and coffee to volunteers. He said: “We are happy to help in this project which brings the problem of litter to everyone’s attention. I think it is a great campaign by The Argus and I hope it will continue.”

Lizzie Deane, councillor for St Peter's and North Laine ward, said: “Why do people think it is okay for them to leave this amount of litter behind?”

She thanked all the volunteers and the Cityclean staff who worked tirelessly to keep the gardens clean.