On a chilly autumn night, seven of Goodgym's bestest runners met in Redbridge to keep Wanstead spick and span and ran 5km in the proces.

With a huge accident crippling road traffic around Leyton and Wanstead, a small crew met at Wanstead House Community Centre ready to do good in the borough. One of our favourite task owners is Marian of Wanstead Community Gardeners who fondly refers to us as her 'heavy lifting crew'.

Over the past few years we have worked tirelessly with Marian to make Wanstead and Snaresbrook blossom by turning unloved areas of land into havens of wild flowers and green plants. Despite all the signs these community gardens still attract rubbish and from time we spend 20 or 30 minutes checking them and discarding the trash. It's not a huge job but we take great pride in the work we have done and keeping it tidy makes us smile - even if the rubbish doesn't.

Armed with bin bags and gloves the team dashed down the high street removing wine bottles, beer cans, crisp packets and all sorts of odds and ends form the bushes and beds. It's incredible to see how much stuff gets discarded even when litter bins are frequent and well positioned.

With several bin bags full and disposed of, the team were soon of up the round to explore a new winter route up Herman Hill. 5km later and a lot sweatier the squad were back at base for some easy stretching to keep the aches and pains at bay.

Fancy getting involved? Why not join us next Monday as we do more good deeds in the community!