A running club is launching with a unique event to keep residents in shape and keep the environment clean.

Orion Harriers Running Club, in Chingford, will hold their first plogging session where people will litter pick through Epping Forest whilst jogging along the way.

Originating from Sweden, plogging has became a popular activity in an attempt to reduce waste in public areas whilst maintaining personal fitness.

Secretary of Orion Harriers Running Club, Roy Perrott from Walthamstow, said the idea had been about of a little before deciding to organise the event.

He said: “It’s great for people wanting to do running and protect the environment as well.

“We’ll mostly be focusing on the main roads and tracks within the forest as that’s where loads of plastic bottles are thrown.”

Fellow runner Alan Godbold will be leading the event open everyone who wishes to attend equipped with bin bags and litter picking sticks on the day.

Should the event have a successful turnout, the team plan to arrange monthly sessions.

Mr Perrott said he felt it was important to keep Epping Forest free from rubbish left by visitors.

“It’s such a beautiful space,” he added. “You get lots of people with their dogs enjoying the views and we hope when people see us out on the day it will inspire them to give it a go - it’s a win win situation.”

Epping Forest Ploggers will take place on Sunday March 3 at Bury Road, Chingford at 10.30 am.

Contact Alan Golbold at alangodbold1@btinternet.com for more information or visit the Epping Forest Plogging Facebook page.