A weeklong spring clean of the island reached its climax yesterday, with more than 300 volunteers picking up trash in Devonshire.

Those who volunteered their time were rewarded afterwards with a birthday party at Friendship Vale Park hosted by Keep Bermuda Beautiful.

The charity, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, recruited more than 1,000 volunteers throughout the course of the week for its 2024 Great Big Bermuda Clean-Up, which kicked off last Monday — international Earth Day.

Yesterday volunteers spent two hours collecting all manner of discarded items before gathering at the park for a celebration, where they were treated to refreshments, entertainment and giveaway prizes.

Traci Burgess, the executive director of KBB, applauded the efforts of those who had volunteered throughout the week.

Ms Burgess told the crowd: “We are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year. We were founded as a sub-committee of the Garden Club back in 1964.

“We’ve had six decades of impact and none of it would be possible without the tens of thousands of volunteers who have donated countless hours and removed over one million pounds of trash, roadside littering, illegal dumping, and ocean pollution from these 21 square miles of land and 64 linear miles of beautiful coastline over the past 60 years. So thank you, guys.”

Last night Ms Burgess said that the total amount of trash collected over the week had still to be calculated, but that several thousand pounds were picked up yesterday.

Ms Burgess said: “There were three heavy truckloads filled to capacity with trash, recyclables and heavy bulk waste, all of which had been carelessly dumped along the roadsides and at various locations around Devonshire.

“KBB’s impact would not be as great without community engagement and donor support.

“We appreciate BF&M for their generous sponsorship of the event and a special thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors who donated their time and products.

“KBB is truly blessed to be a major thread in the fibre of Bermuda. We value our role in the community and thank everyone who is doing their part to reduce waste, eliminate litter and keep the island beautiful.

“Together we are leading the way to a cleaner, greener and more beautiful Bermuda for all.”

• To learn more about KBB’s work, call 799-5142 or clickhere