Superb efforts from everyone who took part in litter picks across Portsmouth and beyond today!

Mel and Vicki kicked things off nice and early with a pick at Alexandra Park, although Jane was actually first in with her pick last night! Julie received plenty of praise from passers by as she cleaned up by Lidl. Laura and her dog, Woody, completed an early morning beach clean. It seems Woody was disappointed he didn't find any snacks, only food wrappers!

We've had a trolley retrieved from the chalk cliffs of Paulsgrove by Lucy and Duncan, a beach clean in Bracklesham with an accompanying sea dip for Judy and Val and a whopping 16 mile run with a cemetery litter pick by Andy!

Nia and baby Zoe headed to Southampton Common for their pick, whilst Dave and I took a stroll through Sherwood Forest to burn off a very unnecessary sundae!

Ness and Sinéad focused on the shoreline for their picks at Fort Cumberland and Langstone Harbour respectively.

We'll be back to normal next week with a visit to the You Trust in North End for some painting and decorating. Hopefully see you in person then!

We enjoyed the best part of the day transforming an old brown shed into a beautiful striped beach hut down at Milton Family Hub.

We learned that Jen can't give clear instructions and that JB may not be able to count to three*, but we had lots of fun along the way.

Richard was then off to do more painting at home in the afternoon - maybe he should start his own decorating business?

*JB can definitely count to three. This was also down to Jen's poor instruction giving!

We helped Fawcett Road Greening Group fill 2 big planters in a forecourt with herbs and small plants. First we layered them with compost bags, then put in a few stones and pieces of cardboard for drainage, followed by the soil, the mesh and then finally the plants were popped in and tucked in with more soil.

Then we moved onto a nearby pub where an area had been depaved ready for us. We dug a deep hole and then carefully planted a beautiful baby Jasmine which Julie was looking after.

3 big trellises were then drilled onto the wall.

It was lovely to chat with the other volunteers and we enjoyed delicious hot drinks, mince pies and brownies!

Noone likes to be in hospital, especially over christmas! Sadly that is how some people will spend the festive season.

So GG linked up with Sophies Legacy to send some little joy to those unable to celebrate at home.

Bella the dog was very kind to allow the octopus to go and out a smile on someone else's face, knowing she has a brand new bed to enjoy.

Great work team, some awesome presents collected!

We enjoyed buying presents to the Hive for care home residents!

A lovely mild morning stroll around Kingston Rec provided a load of rubbish!

We completed a full circuit of the park and couldn't fit any more litter away.

There were 6 socks (inc an actual pair!), although I don't think Santa will be round to fill them just yet! A pair of pants, 1 Croc shoe and a lovely Nike jacket found on our travels. A sprig of Holly added to the festive feel!

A couple of vapes and a lighter for someone still kicking it old school.

Our awesome mini-GGer let us know when it was time to stop and head off in search of lunch!!