No, he’s not doing community service. The Mayor of Islington was pictured picking up litter on the banks of the canal this morning for none other than the Queen of England.

Islington Gazette: Mayor of Islington Cllr Richard Greening, centre, at Vincent Terrace with rangers Chris Ingram, left, and Andrew Hillier, second right, and volunteers (clockwise from bottom left) Dohne Arnold, Catherine Weir, Fern and John Anderson.Mayor of Islington Cllr Richard Greening, centre, at Vincent Terrace with rangers Chris Ingram, left, and Andrew Hillier, second right, and volunteers (clockwise from bottom left) Dohne Arnold, Catherine Weir, Fern and John Anderson. (Image: Islington council)

Cllr Richard Greening joined green-fingered locals for a “Clean for the Queen” clean up –part of a campaign to clean Britain in time for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

He teamed up with volunteers at Vincent Terrace, alongside Regent’s Canal in Angel, to rejuvenate the area.

He said: Islington’s community spirit really shone through at Vincent Terrace this morning.

“Our green spaces are very valuable and it was heartening to see residents’ support and enthusiasm for keeping them vibrant and litter-free for the benefit of everyone.

Islington Gazette: Mayor of Islington Cllr Richard Greening and volunteersMayor of Islington Cllr Richard Greening and volunteers (Image: Archant)

“It was great to see the goodwill and get everyone out and working with us to help mark a significant anniversary.”

The work at Vincent Terrace was the first of a programme of clean-up days taking place across the borough this month.

Since the Vincent Terrace walkway on the southern side of the canal was re-opened around a year ago, a lot of work has been carried out by local volunteers and the council.

To get involved or find out more, see the Friends of Vincent Terrace group website atvincentterracegardens.co.uk.