THE DRYBROOK U14s girls’ rugby team has been hard at work both on and off the pitch, taking on a large-scale litter pick in Cinderford to help raise funds for their upcoming rugby tour.

Despite months of fundraising efforts, the squad remains over £4,000 short of their target. In response, the 26 players decided to give back to the community while working towards their goal, launching a litter-picking initiative across key areas of the town.

Over the past week, the team has been clearing rubbish from Brodmoor Road, Forest Vale Road, and Steam Mills Road, as well as the surrounding business premises along Forest Vale Road.

Armed with litter-picking equipment and high-visibility jackets supplied by local environmental group Forest Wombles, the players quickly realised the scale of the task ahead.

Initially expecting to fill around 30 bags of rubbish, they more than doubled that estimate, collecting an estimated 70 bags of waste.

The team found a particularly high concentration of litter in areas where lorries park overnight, prompting calls for additional bins to be installed to help prevent further build-up.

Several businesses in the area also made donations to support their fundraising target, helping the squad move closer to securing the funds needed for their tour.

A team spokesperson said: "We wanted to do something that would benefit the community while also helping us raise money for the tour. It’s been hard work, but seeing the difference we’ve made has been really rewarding.

We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us, whether by donating or simply encouraging us along the way."

The team's fundraising page remains open until the end of the week for those who wish to contribute. All funds raised will go towards helping the squad travel and compete, giving the young players a valuable opportunity to develop their skills and experience high-level competition.