The volunteer army that did Britain proud

TODAY marks the close of one of the biggest, most successful and most inspirational appeals in this newspaper’s long and illustrious campaigning history.

When we launched – in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy – the Great British Spring Clean, we called for 500,000 volunteers to help turn back the tide of litter sweeping across our towns, countryside and coastline, scarcely daring to hope we could mobilise such numbers.

But thanks to your incredible generosity of spirit, we have exceeded all expectations.

A staggering 563,163 people took part – including 175,000 children – making this the biggest mass environmental action this country has seen. More than 900,000 bags of litter – some dating back decades – were disposed of in a truly awe-inspiring effort.

Theresa May led a cascade of glowing tributes to the ‘passion and energy’ of the volunteer army and pledged the Government would build on your spectacular example.

What a contrast to the sanctimonious climate- change activists who brought London to a halt last week. Their response to environmental concerns is passive protest and demands that others do something.

Instead of indulging in smug virtuesignalling, our volunteer army actually took action themselves against the pollution that blights our lives. Together, you made a difference. We offer our eternal thanks for a job magnificently done.