Digger operators raced against the tide to clear waste fly-tipped on the banks of the River Medway.

H.E. Services plant hire firm, based on the Medway City Estate at Strood, were called in after the waste was discovered beside the river near the estate this afternoon.

The H.E. Services digger cleaning up the river bank

The company was called in by waste disposal firm Mark Luck Ltd, whose staff worked to remove waste until the remaining rubbish was out of reach of their equipment.

Drivers worked to clear the rubbish before the tide came in by 3pm, using a 15m 'super long front excavator'.

The firm said they were able to deliver the excavator to the scene within 10 minutes.

A statement added: "Medway River consists of marine life such as Eels, Pike, Tench, Roach, Rudd, Perch and many more.

"Plastic pollution and waste can affect marine life. They can get harmful wounds, consume harmful substances, strangulation or get entangled in plastic which will not allow them to surface for air to breathe and eventually drown them.

"Being the first to be recognised to help with this job is amazing."

Guy Archbutt, a director with Mark Luck Ltd, added: "my staff and drivers put in a valiant effort, in quick and thorough order in the logistical organisation and physical removal of the waste. It was also my staff that enlisted the help of H.E Services when the last of the rubbish was out of reach of our onsite grab."