Underground, Overground, Wombling free - do you remember the Wombles?

Sudbury Mercury: Youth Aid Wombles organised a litter picking event in Bury St Edmunds. Did you take part?Youth Aid Wombles organised a litter picking event in Bury St Edmunds. Did you take part? (Image: Archant)

Although the litter-picking furry creatures are famously based at Wimbledon Common, they have made their way to Suffolk several times over the years.

Sudbury Mercury: The Wombles at Ipswich Odeon in September 1976The Wombles at Ipswich Odeon in September 1976 (Image: Archant)

Originally created by author Elisabeth Beresford in 1968, the characters became hugely popular in the 1970s. Their TV series was followed by a whole string of hit singles, including Remember You're a Womble and Minuetto Allegretto.

Sudbury Mercury: The Wombles were at St Benedict's School fete in Bury St EdmundsThe Wombles were at St Benedict's School fete in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Archant)

The Wombles were special guests at St Benedict's School fete in Bury St Edmunds in 1974, when they got a superstar reception.

Sudbury Mercury: St Mary's School, Hadleigh, held a sponsored 'Womble' event in November 1974St Mary's School, Hadleigh, held a sponsored 'Womble' event in November 1974 (Image: Archant)

They also visited Ipswich Odeon in 1976, and met up with youngsters in the town's Kempton Road the same year.

Sudbury Mercury: The Wombles visiting youngsters in Kempton Road, Ipswich, in June 1976The Wombles visiting youngsters in Kempton Road, Ipswich, in June 1976 (Image: Archant)

As well as making personal appearances, the Wombles have inspired many people to get involved in litter clean-ups.

Sudbury Mercury: The Wombles at Ipswich Odeon in September 1976The Wombles at Ipswich Odeon in September 1976 (Image: Archant)

Our gallery includes photos of Womble-inspired litter pick-ups in Bury and Hadleigh.

And today, members of the Ipswich Wombles, which has spin-off groups around the town, are still taking inspiration and Remembering They're a Womble.

Sudbury Mercury: The Wombles climbing aboard a tour bus. After their 1970s success, they reunited in 2011 to play events including Glastonbury FewstivalThe Wombles climbing aboard a tour bus. After their 1970s success, they reunited in 2011 to play events including Glastonbury Fewstival (Image: PA)

Do these photos bring back memories? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order copies of staff photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.