A group of volunteer litter pickers got more than they bargained for after stumbling across an X-rated toy while collecting discarded waste.

Litter pickers cleaning up the South Gare area of Redcar made the adult find over the weekend while out with their grabbers.

Matt Stilwell, a volunteer picker who was there when the toy was discovered, told the Echo: “One of our pickers Janice found it and put it in her bag.

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“When she was tying up her bag she told me about it and we decided to get it out and take a picture.

“We had a good laugh about it.

“It’s not the first time we’ve found one, we’ve found d*ldos, vibrators, bras, knickers and stockings out when collecting before.”

Matt, 57, who leads the South Gare Litter Pickers group, posted a picture of the large X-rated toy on his group’s Facebook page and never expected it to get such a reaction.

The photo was considered too offensive to publish uncensored on our website but can be viewed on the group's Facebook page. Viewer discretion is advised.

*WARNING: Sensitive image below

The Northern Echo: Picture: MATT STILWELLPicture: MATT STILWELL (Image: Picture: MATT STILWELL)

“We have never had a post that has reached so many people before,” he added.

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It comes the Echo reported on a dog owner who got a shock last month after their Golden Retriever went foraging for a stick but returned with an adult toy.

Matt, who is a graphic designer and printer by trade, added: “I started the group about 16 months ago and never expected it to get so big.

“We’ve got more than 30 volunteers now and about 15 of them are out every weekend.

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“When we started we didn’t realise how bad the littering in South Gare was, there’s fly tipping and all sorts.

“We discovered a crisp packet dated in 1992 the other day.”

The group is hoping to expand its number of volunteers this summer. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact the South Gare Litter Pickers page on Facebook.