The team, led by police community beat managers and including four members of the public, filled three needle exchange boxes during their efforts to give the Deiniol and Hirael wards a spring clean.

Afterwards they condemned those who had failed to properly dispose of the sharps at one of the city's needle boxes.

Community beat manager Elfyn Hughes said: "The team found needles at several locations behind High Street buildings and by the park on Beach Road.

"Discarded needles pose a danger to the public who are venturing into these areas through infection and injury, and particularly to children who tend to play here there and everywhere.

"We've made a start to try and clean Bangor up, and I hope everybody will now help to keep the city tidier, and in doing so, discourage the type of people who leave these dangerous items lying around from coming to these areas."

The cleaners met at 9.30am outside Bangor police station and wrapped up around 4pm after clearing away three skips and five vans worth of rubbish, as well as the needles.

Led by PC Hughes and fellow CBM Matthew Corcoran, the neighbourhood police team were aided by the probation service, and thanked four members of the public who turned out to help despite the bad weather.

One of the volunteers, regular Chronicle community news correspondent Cyril Rowlands, came from Benllech to offer his assistance.

However, PC Hughes admitted he felt let down with the small turnout from the city's community.

He said: "I'm a bit disappointed that more people from Bangor were not involved, especially when someone came from Anglesey to help.

"This is something we will look to do again and hopefully next time there will be more people involved."

The police team also offered a big thank you to Gwynedd Skip Hire, B&Q and Derek's Van Hire, who provided equipment and vehicles.