ODSAL firefighters who took part in a volunteer litter pick around the Buttershaw area of the district this morning were called back soon after to tackle a rubbish fire.

Councillor Angela Tait (Labour, Royds) said a group of around 10 volunteers, including herself and Councillor Ruth Ward, as well as a member of Incommunities staff, had embarked on one of several litter picks around Blackshaw Beck that volunteers had tackled over the past months.

"We had only just finished ready to go home and were loading the rubbish bags onto a lorry at around 12.30pm when we saw smoke.

"I went to have a look and saw two children talking away from the area. A couch was on fire but they denied being involved.

"We have done a lot of litter clearing around there and the place is beginning to look so much better, though we haven't cleared it all away yet.

"It could be really lovely around there. It could be a nature reserve.

"Four firefighters had come along in the morning to give us a hand and we ended up calling them back to put the rubbish fire out.

"I don't think they expected to be called back so soon to tackle a fire near to where they had been tidying up.

"It is really annoying. We have done such a lot of work around there since this time last year.

"There has been so many fires around here and it is upsetting," she said.

Cllr Tait said she had taken video of the youngsters and was passing it on to the police.