A PENSIONER helped launch an environment group's state of the borough report, doing what she does best.

Dot Williams went on a litter-pick in her home ward of Acklam, Middlesbrough.

Ms Williams, who has been collecting litter each week for a number of years, said: "It is all about everyone doing their bit.

"The council spends a lot of money on cleaning up litter and it would not be necessary if we did not drop it in the first place.''

Councillor Ron Lowes, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "People like Dot Williams or other local residents who are helping to tidy up with their regular litter-picks are a marvellous example of what can be done by people to look after their own area.''

Ms Williams, a member of environmental campaign group Acklam 2000, went into action yesterday as Middlesbrough Environment City published its annual report on projects undertaken to educate and encourage good environmental practice.

Projects undertaken in the past year have included the launch of a cycle centre, health-related projects and seminars.