IT won't come as a surprise for regular We Say readers to hear us suggesting that Gillian and Cyril Allen take a bow for stepping from the privacy and comfort of their Rainbow Hill home and doing something which many people talk about - taking pride in their city.

The couple spent more than three hours picking up litter strewn across Lansdowne Lane and filled four black bin liners in the process.

It wasn't just a question of picking up cans and lollipop sticks. They removed broken fencing and pruned back bushes too.

The contribution to the neighbourhood was all the more telling because Gillian suffers from MS, and the work left her "absolutely shattered".

Their example couldn't have come at a better time, though neither of them knew it, as it coincided with Worcester's decision to vie for the title of Britain's Cleanest City.

We're aware that the echoing sound some of you might be hearing is hollow laughter. And we'd be daft if we pretended that, in large areas of Worcester, such a title is remotely feasible. It isn't.

However, the month-long Rubbish? Sort it! campaign co-ordinated by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust in May showed that it's possible to cultivate clean habits for a short period - but the gradual return of trash to our streets proves we're happy to live in a scruffy city. Or does it?

As we said, take a bow Gillian and Cyril - and shame on all those who've seen the same kind of mess, probably even complained about it, might even have caused it, and been happy to pass it by. Actions speak louder than words.