HUNDREDS of homes will benefit from a purge of dirt and graffiti this week.

The Throston Grange area of Hartlepool has been targeted for the clean-up operation carried out by the council, police, fire brigade and other organisations.

Work includes the renewal of street nameplates, gully cleansing, graffiti removal and tidying up gardens.

The scheme is part of Operation Clean Sweep, which was launched in December 2003 and concentrates resources to clean up a particular area of the town.

The latest week-long operation includes the area between Throston Grange Lane and Wiltshire Way, along with St David's Walk, St Mawes Close, Padstow Close and Newquay Close.

Dog owners will be able to get their pets chipped free of charge at Flint Walk shops tomorrow between 10am and noon.