RESIDENTS and business across Hartlepool are being urged to do their bit to make the town a cleaner and more attractive place.

Council officials are asking them to set aside half-an-hour each week to clear up the area around their homes and premises.

The idea is part of Spring Clean Hartlepool, a month-long blitz on litter which began yesterday and will run throughout this month.

Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool initiative, under the umbrella of the Tidy Britain Group's new Just Bin It campaign, the clean-up aims to promote a united front in the battle to improve the local environment.

Helen Beaman, the council's waste management officer, said yesterday: "If we all pull together and spare a little time to tidy up our immediate surroundings, then we really can make a difference.

"Hartlepool's image has improved dramatically in recent years, but we cannot afford to become complacent."

Pride in Hartlepool will be able to provide some practical help.

For further information contact (01429) 523793.