A RURAL market town has been the latest destination for a council initiative to help give areas a spruce up.

A sea of volunteers descended on Barnard Castle last week as part of the Durham County Council programme which aims to get County Durham's towns and villages spick and span.

The town was the 22nd location for the national award-winning campaign called Operation Spruce Up.

Spruce Up sees council teams joining forces with local businesses, schoolchildren and in some cases charities to give areas an intensive clean up.

Tasks can include planting, picking up litter or removing chewing gum from pavements and are specific to the area's needs.

At Barnard Castle, the work began on Tuesday, September 25.

Areas covered included Galgate, the A67, The Bank, Market Place and Horse Market.

Council staff also plan to visit St Marys RC and Montalbo primary schools to deliver assemblies where pupils will be encouraged to look after the environment, and organise competitions where the children will design Spruce Up posters.

Councillor Brian Stephens, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “It is a source of intense pride for us that Spruce Up is now at its 22nd location.

“We have tried to make a difference everywhere we have been through the hard work of the teams, ably supported by schoolchildren, companies and charities.

“We know Barnard Castle is one of our county’s gems but we hope it will look all the more impressive for residents, businesses and visitors once we’re finished.”

Operation Spruce Up was launched in 2016 with locations chosen based on feedback from local councillors.

It has also involved more than 4,000 children and young people.

Earlier this year the programme clinched environment charity Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign of the year award.

Other areas covered in South Durham so far have included Spennymoor, Evenwood, Crook, Stanhope, Ferryhill, Newton Aycliffe, Tow Law and Coundon.

Areas announced for next year's campaign include Cockfield, Shildon and Trimdon Grange.

For more information about the programme visit durham.gov.uk/spruceup