DARLINGTON residents are being urged to pick up a litter picker and get involved in the region’s Big Spring Clean campaign.

The initiative, organised by Litterfree Durham, will see community litter picks take place across the borough and Nick Wallis, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for local environment, said: “We want to encourage people to love where they live and to make a real difference to their local community.

“We have lots of litter picks organised but if there is somewhere that you think needs attention, get in touch and we can you to help to organise a litter pick of your own.”

Gerald Lee, chair of Litterfree Durham, added: “We are asking people to help us to help them make a difference showing pride in your community by joining us on our 2016 Big Spring Clean.

“The campaign has got off to a brilliant start with the Environment Agency working with Durham County Council’s Pride Team for the first litter pick and river clean up in a beautiful valley on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland.”

The following litter picks are taking place across Darlington: March 4: High Grange, meet at Charnwood Drive roundabout at 10am; March 5: The Denes play area in the Play Dene (Widdowfield Street) at 10am; March 19, Brafferton village hall at 4pm; April 3, Walworth, The Grange at 10am; April 9, The Play Dene (Widdowfield Street) at 10am; April 16: Rockwell, Hutton Avenue footbridge at 10.30am.

To organise an event of you own call 01325-406648 or email litterfreedurham@darlington.gov.uk