The UK Cancer Boat Race is returning to the Thames this Saturday (March 24) and the council is urging attendees to bring reusable drinks bottles instead of using plastic cups.

Thousands are due to watch the event along the river which inevitably results in litter and lots of plastic being left behind.

Ishbel Murray, Richmond Council’s assistant director for contracts and leisure, said: “We already know that only 57 per cent of plastic bottles are recycled.

“The rest is thrown away with waste.

“And, unfortunately, on days like the Boat Race, some careless spectators toss their litter and used bottles into the river.

“We are making sure there are lots of bins for people to use and we need spectators to do their bit.

“It is simple, bring reusable bottles and take litter home. Whichever blue you support on race day, we ask that you be green too and dispose of litter responsibly.”

The council, working with the Barnes Tidy Towpath Group, will be at the event to support the mass clean up.