Wendy Salter, a Ross-on-Wye resident who helped pioneer the town’s Community Litter Clean-Up Crew, took part in her last litter pick on Monday, February 23. The group was set up Jill Scamell, Anne Taylor and Chris Bartrum.

Many residents were first inspired to be more proactive dealing with litter when Wendy set herself a personal challenge in September 2018 to litter pick every street in Ross-on-Wye over the course of the month. There are about 200 streets in Ross, of varying lengths.

Jill Scamell, a close friend of Wendy’s and a long time member of the Ross Community Litter Clean-Up Crew, said: “I can’t believe that two years ago I didn’t know Wendy, it feels like she has always been a friend.

‘‘Thank you for supporting the Ross Community Litter Clean-Up Crew, it really would not have been the same without you.

“You are truly inspirational and passionate about the cause that every single person can make a difference.

“Wishing you all the best in your next adventures and I look forward to catching up with you. Stay safe and keep on spreading your enthusiasm for life.’’

Former councillor, Hannah Lerego, said: “Well done all of you and farewell to Wendy Salter you have been so dedicated and inspiring to others.”

Residents may also remember Wendy’s ancient find during the Great Herefordshire Spring Clean last year, when the Ross Community Litter Clean-Up Crew collected 252 bags amounting to 1445kgs of rubbish.

During the Spring Clean, Herefordshire Council encouraged volunteers to share their litter picking stories, and submit nominations with the hope of winning in one of two categories: oldest piece of litter found; and most unusual piece of litter found.

The prize for the oldest piece of litter found was presented to Wendy when she submitted a For Sale sign which was at least a quarter of a century old, dated by the old telephone code.

It was in a hedge on Homs Road, Ross-on-Wye, together with a lot of polystyrene and plastic covered in moss.

Close friends of Wendy’s are sad to see her go, but her legacy will remain in Ross-on-Wye. Resident Michelle Kendall Jeffery described her as the “driving force behind cleaning up our beautiful town”.

Maaike Van Dijk said: “Good luck and thank you for all your inspiration for my children as well as all the brownies and the scouts!”

The Ross Community Litter Clean-Up Crew will continue their regular litter picks, and new volunteers are always welcome.

Wendy said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to every one of you, for caring about your town and for getting out there to keep it looking lovely.

“Also, thank you for becoming my friends - you are all awesome!”