Fears litter pollution is 'getting worse' in the North East and Teesside
Keep Britain Tidy is appealing for ambassadors to help tackle the issue
There are fears litter pollution in the North East and Teesside is getting worse as environmental charities try and tackle what they're calling a huge issue.
It comes as environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is appealing for passionate volunteers who are leading in the fight against litter pollution in the region's communities to become part of its national Litter Heroes Ambassador programme.
There are currently 11 ambassadors located across the North East and Teesside and the aim is to increase that number even further.
The charity is looking for volunteers across Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Redcar & Cleveland and Middlesbrough.
Keep Britain Tidy say Litter Heroes Ambassadors work across England, supporting communities to carry out year-round litter-picking activities to tackle more than two million pieces of rubbish that are dropped every day. They also encourage other pro-environmental activities, promoting and taking part in Keep Britain Tidy’s campaigns including the Great British Spring Clean and Buy Nothing New Month.
The charity’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Our amazing family of Ambassadors play an incredibly important role in tackling litter and protecting the environment, inspiring hundreds of others to take action.
“They bring a wide range of abilities, experiences, and perspectives, acting as everyday champions for cleaner and more inclusive local environments. By setting an example – through simple actions like properly disposing of waste or picking up litter – they show how small steps can make a big difference, while bringing people together around a shared goal.
“We are committed to ensuring our Ambassador programme is accessible, inclusive, and supportive. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds in the North East, particularly those from ethnic minority communities and people with disabilities or health conditions, whose voices and experiences are currently underrepresented. Your contribution will help make our work stronger, more representative, and more impactful.”
The charity estimates in the past year, through general litter-picking activities and the annual Great British Spring Clean, volunteers have picked up at least half a million bags of rubbish across the country.
Supporting the recruitment drive is current North East based Litter Heroes Ambassador Jill Brown.
She said: “Being a Litter Heroes Ambassador is about more than picking up rubbish – it’s about inspiring pride in our surroundings, encouraging others to step outside, and showing how small civic actions can lift both our environment and our wellbeing.
“With the support of Keep Britain Tidy, I feel empowered to make a real difference in my community.”
The benefits of becoming an Ambassador include:
• Access to an online dashboard with exclusive resources to support you. This includes a volunteer handbook and risk assessment templates
• Support on how to get started and online training, including first aid
• Access to free Keep Britain Tidy Public Liability Insurance (where eligibility criteria are met)
• Information about our work and campaigns, to support you in raising awareness of our work
• Access to the Keep Britain Tidy programme logos to promote your role and activities
• Monthly email newsletters and an exclusive Facebook community
• Media opportunities (subject to availability)
• Access to free equipment (subject to availability)
• Support for your activities through:
• Dedicated Litter Heroes programme team
• Online guidance
• Keep Britain Tidy volunteer webinars
• Face to face events and conferences.
People can register their interest on the Keep Britain Tidy website.