A Deeside running group has celebrated its 40-year club anniversary by cleaning up the community. 

The Deestriders are a running club based in Deeside that was established in 1982.  

A total of 14 Deestriders alongside their family and friends took part in a litter pick along the Deeside cycle path on Sunday (July 3). 

The event was organised by Vikki Foulkes, who said: “It was a great way to get together, help our community, benefit the planet and have a natter."

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The club consists of around 116 members running across North Wales and parts of Cheshire.

The event was part of the club's ongoing 40-year anniversary celebrations, however, philanthropy and charitable activity is not new for the club. 

Earlier this year the club grouped together to collect essentials for Ukranian refugees and collected running ‘gear for Gambia’. 

In early March Deestriders members collected bags of clothes, toiletries and essentials and dropped them off at local depots for onwards transit to Ukrainian refugees

This was part of a wider response to the war from the Deeside community.  

In their litter picking the team managed to collect more than seven bags of rubbish including a rusty bike wheel, wellies, a long sleeved top and even a newspaper from 1991.

Unfortunately, the newspaper wasn't The Leader, however, there was a job advert for a security guard for £3.33 per hour. 

The Leader: Rubbish collected in litter pickRubbish collected in litter pick

The cycle path is a familiar route for the club for their popular Couch to 5k running plan which focuses on helping beginners to develop their running skills and get moving. 

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They cater for mixed abilities and encourage experienced runners as well as new beginners to join. 

Mrs Folkes said: "Deestriders are a great local club and it was a fantastic way to celebrate our 40th anniversary year.”

Upcoming events to celebrate the anniversary of the club include three 'Off Road Grand Prix' races in Shotton and a Sunday race day in Deeside. 

The group meet every Tuesday at Ash Grove car park in Shotton with developers meeting at 6.15pm and the main group setting off at 6.30pm. 

On Wednesdays, the group meets at various locations for 5k & 10k off road runs and on Thursday night at Deeside athletic stadium at 6.45pm.

Information can be found on the club's website.