HOUSEHOLDERS in County Durham and Darlington are being encouraged to organise litter-picks in their communities.

As part of the the sixth annual Big Spring Clean campaign, which started in February, residents, schools and community groups have until Sunday, April 17, to organise an event in their area.

The campaign is run by Durham County Council, LitterFree Durham and Darlington Borough Council.

During last year's initiative, nearly 2,000 volunteers dedicated more than 3,500 hours to collecting a total of 2,013 bags of rubbish.

Anyone who wishes to take part will have equipment provided for them and arrangements will be made to collect all bagged rubbish following litter picks.

To take part in a litter pick in County, Durham email litterfreedurham@durham.gov.uk or call 0300-026-1000.

To volunteer in Darlington email litterfreedurham@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325-406648.