COMMUNITY groups have been handed £500 for cleaning up their parishes.

The first 40 groups to clean up their areas were handed the cash by Wychavon District Council, which also provided volunteers with litter pickers, gloves and bags.

Parishes taking part ranged from Dodderhill, Ombersley and Pebworth to Cookhill, Wyre Piddle and Bredon.

Community groups which became involved included the Young Farmers in Inkberrow, Scouts in South Littleton and Pebworth WI.

The litter picks took place between March and April and waste contractors FOCSA collected the 1,500 sacks of rubbish bagged by the volunteers.

Encouraged

"I can't give the volunteers enough praise," said Ray Grundy, Wychavon's client services officer, who inspected the villages taking part.

"People of all ages came out to tidy up and many of the groups said how much they enjoyed it. It was like a proper village social occasion."

South Littleton Scouts are putting their allocation towards the £5,000 needed for a new heating system.

The money will also help Eckington Playground buy a new roof for their headquarters in the village.

"Not only does the bursary scheme encourage people to keep the district clean and tidy, but the cash helps boost the coffers of the community groups and organisations," said Mr Grundy.