VOLUNTEERS have been asked to muck in and make Worcester a brighter place in the next week.

Worcester City Council has joined forces with the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust for a Just Bin It campaign.

It follows a successful National Spring Clean exercise last year, to sweep debris from the Faithful City's streets.

Litter-picking days have been arranged at a string of locations across the city.

Organisations which have already offered to lend a hand include the Sons of Rest, Worcester & District Anglers' Association, St George's RC Primary School, 2nd Worcester Scouts, Blackpole Residents' Association and St Clement's School.

City councillors Mike Layland, Mike Francis and Stan Knowles also plan a litter-pick for tomorrow, in Ronkswood.

"It's very encouraging that a number of other organisations and schools have arranged their own mini-campaigns," said John Bond, the city council's environmental protection officer.

Mark Driscoll, the project manager for the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, said the Trust and council had tourists as well as residents in mind as it planned the spruce-up strategy.

"We've got two environmental wardens at the moment, but we're advertising for a third," he said.

"The new warden will probably start in June. In addition, we want to take on a trainee a month or two after that."

More than 100 Cubs, Scouts and Beavers will be among those taking to the streets in the massive cleaning-up operation.

The 2nd Worcester Scout Group will carry out a litter pick-up in central St John's on Tuesday, April 24, assisted by adult helpers and parents.

"The guys from the Duckworth Trust give the children a safety grounding before they start, including advice on how to handle glass and needles," said Scout leader Paul Carpenter.

"They also provide all the litter-pickers, tabards, gloves and refuse sacks and take away the rubbish afterwards."

Mr Carpenter said the initiative was part of the drive to become more involved in the community.

"It's all part of trying to get the kids involved in what's going on in the area," he said.

The boys, aged from six to 15, will be joined by girls from the 4th and 9th Worcester Brownies and Guides, also based at Swanpool Walk.

The Keep Britain Tidy group has set up Just Bin It exercises across the country.

Anyone wanting information can ring the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust on 01905 459343, or the city council on 01905 722220.