VIDEO TROLLEYS, bikes, lawnmowers, spades and even the kitchen sink are just of the few bizarre items ready to be scrapped today after being pulled from Ipswich's rivers.

TROLLEYS, bikes, lawnmowers, spades and even the kitchen sink are just of the few bizarre items ready to be scrapped today after being pulled from Ipswich's rivers.

The eclectic mixture of rusting castaways was discovered during Sunday's annual cleanup of the River Gipping and the Belstead Brook.

Teams of divers braved the mucky water to uncover the dumped junk, while volunteers on the banks hauled the litter from the rivers.

Environmentally-aware helpers also canoed up and down the two rivers looking for out-of-place items while others, some on bikes, scoured the nearby paths, picking up rubbish.

Becky Marley, project officer at CSV media clubhouse and one of the organisers of the event, said: “We had four motorbikes, lots of push bikes, a washing machine, 44 traffic cones, bits of scaffolding, a stereo, a microwave, a kitchen sink and absolutely loads of plastic bags full of junk.

“We also had 45 shopping trolleys which was less than last year when there were 86, so we're pleased that the river wasn't just restocked during the year.

“It was quite a haul and after a while you stop being surprised at what comes out.

“It is sad to see it because the river goes right through the heart of town and should be a positive focus.

“The work everyone did really makes a difference, especially in terms of wildlife because animals have a lot less push-bikes to negotiate as they swim along.”

Ms Marley said the group of around 100 volunteers had also had a lot of fun, while helping the Ipswich environment.

She added: “Everyone feels a bit sad when the objects are pulled out but there is a great atmosphere and they laugh and joke too while they get their hands dirty.”

Should more be done to clean Ipswich's rivers? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.