A MONTH-long campaign to get the people of Worcestershire picking up litter is under way.

The seventh Rubbish? Sort It! campaign got off to the flying start at Worcester Woods Country Park in Spetchley with some help from the Mayor of Worcester Ian Imray and players from Worcester Rugby Football Club's academy.

Run by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust in conjunction with Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council and British Waterways, the scheme aims to encourage action.

Throughout April litter-picks will be held across Worcester and Malvern and at the same time a dedicated team will be raising awareness of litter and recycling issues.

The launch, which took place on Monday, March 26, included speeches by Councillor Imray and Cecil Duckworth, founder of the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust. About 40 people attended the event, enjoyed lunch and took part in a hour-long litter- pick which saw almost 50 kilograms of rubbish collected - one fifth of which is now going to be recycled.

Roisin Hanks, project manager for the trust, said: "The day was a great success for all involved.

"Everyone enjoyed doing their bit for the environment, especially on such a lovely spring day."

The campaign will run until Saturday, April 21, when a finale will take place at the Pump House Environment Centre, Waterworks Road, Worcester.

More than 300 people have pledged to take part in the campaign but the trust is still looking for more.

"There is still time for people to register their own event with us or to book onto one of the public events," said Mrs Hanks.

"People who participate in two or more events have the opportunity to enter into a free prize draw to win tickets to one of Worcester Warriors home matches."

Litter-picks, which are open to the public, are taking place on the following dates: Wednesday, April 11 - Malvern Woodland, Malvern.

Friday, April 13 - Cripplegate Park, Worcester.

Wednesday, April 18 - Laugherne Brook Nature Reserve, Worcester.

Thursday, April 19 - Gheluvelt Park and Pitchcroft racecourse, Worcester.

Call the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust on 01905 734934 for further information or to register a litter pick.