SOLDIERS and council staff will clean up a town today after declaring war on litter.

A joint operation between the Army and Richmondshire District Council will see Catterick Garrison get an early spring clean after an increase in complaints about litter-strewn streets.

Major Andy Stevens, chief of staff at the Catterick Garrison headquarters, said: "Catterick Garrison is the Army's largest garrison and it's home to an awful of soldiers and their families.

"It's a very nice place to live, work and play, but occasionally it needs a little bit of help to keep it tidy.

"We've carried out an annual clean-up of Coronation Park for the past six years. We also do projects to help the community in Richmond such as clearing the undergrowth on the banks around the castle.

"Now we're turning our attention closer to home."

A spokesman for the district council said: "With the garrison almost full and very few units currently away, litter is becoming a serious issue and the subject of an increasing number of complaints to both the garrison headquarters and Richmondshire District Council.

"Care About Catterick Day will see the council and Army joining forces to combat litter and clean up the area.

"The garrison community has been invited to take part in the operation, including schools, retail outlets, fast food chains and businesses."

Officials estimate up to 20 tonnes of rubbish will be collected during the day.

The Army will organise teams of litter pickers and collect rubbish from inside and outside the barracks, and from around the security fencing.

All signs at the entrances to barracks and buildings will also be cleaned.

The district council will sweep the area to prepare for the litter picking and later remove the waste.

Council road sweepers, mechanical street cleaning vehicles and litter pickers will also assist the Army.

Colburn and Catterick Garrison ward councillor Lynn Miller said: "This can only be a good thing. Let's hope it nudges people not to drop the litter in the first place."