YOUNG and old came together to clear rubbish from a West Oxfordshire village.

Bampton residents organised a community cleaning day after noticing an increasing amount of litter in the area, and almost 40 people joined in on Saturday, June 30.

The group even enlisted the help of West Oxfordshire District Council leader James Mills and county councillor for Witney West & Bampton Ted Fenton.

Maurizio Fantato, who organised the clean-up through neighbourhood social network site nextdoor, said the day illustrated how much residents cared about their village.

He said: “Bampton has got a very strong community on nextdoor.

“People were discussing how to improve the village and the idea of a clean-up was floated.

“It’s not Bampton residents but people who drive through who tend to throw bottles out of their car and other bits of rubbish.

“There was a great community spirit and it was a lovely day that everyone enjoyed.”

The group set up a programme of activities around the village and split into five teams, with representatives from Beavers and Cub Scouts also lending a hand.

After meeting in the market square at 10.30am, each team worked on a separate patch, with a designated rubbish return point at the junction of Bushey Row and New Road.

Refreshments were provided by The Cake Element Bakery on Bampton High Street, which provided free tea and cake for volunteers.

Mr Mills and Mr Fenton both got their hands dirty and Mr Fantato paid tribute to the enthusiasm shown by the two councillors.

He said: “They were very helpful and helped us with the provision and equipment.

“The village was absolutely spotless.”

He revealed the clean-up’s success means similar events may be held in the future.