A number of volunteers have dedicated their time to the cleanup of a beloved village landmark.

Loose Stream, next to The Chequers pub near Maidstone, has been returned to its former glory.

Also known as River Loose or Langley Stream, the tributary runs through the village as it makes its way to the River Medway.

It rises in Langley and goes through Boughton Monchelsea and Loose, then enters the Medway at Tovil.

However, it has been dammed in many places, resulting in a number of mill ponds.

One of the most picturesque parts is located at the bottom of Old Loose Hill, next to The Chequers pub, where ramblers can walk beside the stream along Brooks Path.

Loose Stream pictured before (left) and after the tidy-up. Pictures: Loose Parish Council

On Friday, October 20, a skip was brought in and Loose Parish Council issued a plea for volunteers on social media.

An annual clean took place over that weekend, between 9.30am and 1pm.

Approximately three skips of watercress and weed were removed from the area by residents of all ages.

It was reported that there was a turnout of at least 20 people – including a passer-by from Coxheath.

“We would like to thank everyone who gave up their time for this mucky, smelly, strenuous but very important annual task,” the parish council said.

“Special thanks to the Corbetts for organising proceedings.”

If you would like to get involved in future volunteering in Loose, please contact office@loose-pc.gov.uk.