Volunteers braved wind and rain at the weekend to Clean for the Queen in Cromer.

Cromer Town Council organised the beach litter-pick on Saturday as part of a nationwide initiative, organised by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, to celebrate Her Majesty's 90th birthday later this year.

It is planning a torch-lit procession and firework display to mark the occasion on April 21, along with the lighting of an official beacon.

And Clean for the Queen organisers said it was important the town looks its best.

Cromer mayor Tim Adams said: 'It's a fantastic cause going on around the country. We had a sizeable crowd despite it raining quite heavily and we managed between us to collect 20 bags of rubbish.'

Among the volunteers was retired Crown Estate worker Clare Tallboys, from Overstrand. She said: 'I'm surprised how many are here. I thought it might be called off [due to the weather] but you can always trust the hardy Norfolk folk to come out. The Queen is very important because she has a private residence up here. Like a lot of us she comes up here for peace and quiet and to enjoy the natural surroundings.

'The Crown Estate is very much involved in ensuring that the coastline is kept clean and tidy and accessible for all.' And she added: 'It's nice to be able to give something back to the community.'

The youngest volunteer on the day was two-year-old Lavinia Harper, originally from America but now living in Horsford, who joined her family at the event.

Mum Amy Harper, 34, said: 'As part of our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we wanted to help. We enjoy living here, and Cromer beach is one of our favourite places, so we just wanted to come out.'

Have you got a Queen's 90th birthday year story? Contact royal reporter Chris Bishop at chris.bishop@archant.co.uk

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