ABOUT 200 determined Ongar residents braved the snow to clean up their village at the "Our Pride at Stake" litter pick on March 24.
The volunteers picked their way through snow-filled ditches retrieving all manner of items, including a pool table, a fish tank and a fridge.
They assembled at Moreton Primary School and split into teams, collecting litter from roads around Bovinger, Bobbingworth, The Lavers, Moreton and towards Fyfield and Ongar.
Eric Pickles MP stopped by to praise the community effort.
"It's fantastic that so many people have taken part," he said. "I'm really impressed with the turnout. In many communities, people say 'Why don't they do something?'
"In this village, 'they' means 'us'."
The endorsement was backed by Bobbingworth parish councillor Colin Thompson.
"This wasn't just about physically picking-up litter, but about leaving a legacy for the future," he said.
"The challenge was to ask ourselves, 'Are we content to live in an environment littered with rubbish dumped by passers-by?'"
More than 200 sacks of litter were collected in under three hours and the resulting pile was impressive.
The 180 volunteers exceeded all expectations of the group, which only formed three months ago.
Our Pride at Stake aims to promote a healthier and cleaner village.
They are committed to encouraging environmental responsibility and enhancing the community.
The organising committee devotes its time for no financial gain, relying solely on local generosity to fulfil its goals.
Since its launch, the campaign has raised £1,000, as well as received other donations such as gloves and rubbish bags.
The campaign is supported by about 30 local businesses and relies on them for support and funds.
