The workers will be starting at Alperton on April 29 and walking towards Perivale picking litter along the way, then going in the opposite direction towards Stonebridge the following day.

The community action days are part of the 'M&S Big Beach Clean-up' which is in its third year, and will be carried out in partnership with the Canal & River Trust waterways charity.

M&S retail director Sacha Berendji, said: "Our Big Beach Clean-up 2013 exceeded all expectations and made a significant impact on local communities. This year our beaches and canals, and in turn our marine life, need us and our army of volunteers more than ever before. It’s a fun, outdoor activity and I’m confident we can go one step further and surpass last year’s litter haul. And, as an incentive, there’s a £5 money-off voucher for every customer that gets involved."

In total, the canal-based activity will see over 1,000 M&S employees – plus Trust staff, M&S customers and Marine Conservation Society volunteers - heading down to their local canal bank to support the waterways.

Richard Parry, chief executive at the Canal & River Trust, added: "Our canals are a 200-hundred year-old national treasure that are enjoyed by millions of people each year. They need looking after, and litter and debris can be a real problem, polluting water, restricting use of the canals and towpaths, and harming wildlife. That’s why we’re delighted to be joining forces again with Marks & Spencer and all the volunteers who take part in the Big Beach Clean-up. The event will build on the work that is done every day to keep the waterways in the best possible condition, with this year’s event set to be bigger and better than ever."

The Big Beach Clean-up aims to tackle litter on 95 UK beaches and 45 canals, including locations that were hit by recent storms. The target is to exceed last year's haul of 30 tonnes of litter – the equivalent two double decker buses. Most of the litter collected will be common waste items such as fishing nets, ropes and bottles tops. However, last year M&S beach and canal cleaners found an array of unusual items including a bath, coffee maker, HM Prison Service toothbrush and a Freeview box.