An Olympic clean-up campaign got a right royal boost when the Duchess of Cornwall got her hands dirty in Beckton.

Just six days after the pomp and pageantry of the royal wedding, she rolled up her sleeves to help clear up litter on the Winsor Park estate this morning.

The duchess was visiting to launch the Beautiful Boroughs project, which aims to encourage residents in the Olympic boroughs to get together and keep their areas tidy.

She met local dignitaries, including Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, and chatted to youngsters from nearby Gallions Primary School.

Bosses at CleanupUK, who are coordinating the project, also announced she has agreed to become the president of their charity.

Susan Masters, Newham’s lead volunteer, said: “It is fantastic that the duchess has been happy to come here and that she recognises just what a local community can achieve if it is given a bit of support to help itself.

“We’re really proud of what we’re achieving.”

Sir Robin added: “We have been doing volunteering in Newham for years and this is an ideal project to demonstrate why we think it is important.”

Cleanup UK chief executive George Monck said: “We want to encourage every community to get involved in keeping their area clean.

“We are really grateful to Her Royal Highness for helping us to highlight what everyone can achieve if they decide to get together to take action.”