The team dedicated to keeping Folkestone clean and tidy have noticed a rise in the number of discarded gloves and masks on the streets since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Peter Philips, the Folkestone Town Sprucer, and his team of committed volunteers, went back to work four weeks ago after temporarily taking a break when lockdown measures were introduced in March.

Since their return, they adhere to strict social distancing rules and wear protective clothing to keep them safe.

But manager Mr Philips said it was a no-brainer that the team should get back to work, as the town was looking 'pretty bad' following their three week hiatus.

He said: "We got lots of reports of street litter; it was pretty bad. We decided we'd go back to work but under very strict distancing rules.

"The most important thing is to keep safe.

"We've got sanitiser in our pockets, regularly wash our hands and wear masks and gloves.

"We see postmen, or the odd builder or police, but it's very quiet on the streets. There is hardly any people around."

The Folkestone Town Sprucer project has been running for several years and sees a team litter picking and making improvements to Folkestone daily. Volunteers are made up of job seekers.

But the type of litter the crew have seen in recent weeks has changed.

Mr Philips said: "The littering is down on the whole. But we are still seeing cans and sweet wrappers around.

"Take away boxes have decreased.

"Fly tipping is up though.

"And we're seeing lots of gloves and masks, even in the country lanes so reckon people are throwing them out of car windows.

"They've overtaken the take away packets.

"We don't know what germs they've got on them.

"We obviously don't touch them as we have the grabbers."

In addition, the team, who previously reported a rise in the number of used needles being discovered in Folkestone, are also seeing less drug paraphernalia on the streets.

Over the last month, the team collected 151 bags of rubbish in week one, 106 bags in week two, 112 in week three and 77 bags so far this week.

This is significantly lower in comparison to pre-lockdown life.

Mr Philips, 59, said that the public have been very supportive.

He said: "We've had nothing but praise from the public.

"We've had people knocking on windows to say thank you to us.

"It's just great to be able to get out and keep the town clean."

To donate to the project, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone