SIR,

As soon as the weather relents there are two vital projects which would benefit from some of your precious Easter holiday time.

On Sunday 7th April, a sponsored litter pick is being held. It starts at 2pm in the Co-Op car park. Your help would be really appreciated, either as a sponsor or as a picker. It would mean that we could rid Monmouth of much of the abandoned rubbish that has built up over the winter. You probably know of an otherwise beautiful, nearby area that desperately needs a clear up. I am particularly concerned about our river banks. All equipment will be supplied, so you can choose where to 'pick'.

The project is called 'Litter Pick For Life' because every penny of sponsorship will go to Kidney Wales, the charity which helps to transform the lives of families across Wales affected by kidney disease and renal failure. My husband was on dialysis for many years before he received a donated kidney transplant. The improvement in his quality of life is indescribable. We are only too aware of how lucky we are. We think this will be our fifth 'Litter Pick for Life'. Each Spring, your active help has been quite fantastic. Please phone me on 07762468903 for further details or even sponsor forms.

The second project is called 'Monmouth: Mucky or Magnificent?' It is a photographic competition which runs for six weeks until 15th May. Whatever your age, you can win prize money and kudos at a presentation in the Shire Hall. Just send in photos of your particular mucky spot in Monmouth and/or of Monmouth at its beautiful best. More details on the Town Council website or send an email to [email protected]">[email protected]

By photographing 'before and after' pictures on the Litter Pick you could take part in both projects at once.

With great hopes for your support and some sunshine,

Anthea Dewhurst

(Monmouth)