A GENEROUS donation by a mystery couple has boosted the fight against litter in villages near Stourport.

The donors, who want to remain anonymous, have funded the purchase of a new cleansing van and a litter patrol officer for the next two years.

The special Mitsubishi vehicle will help clean streets and verges in Dunley, Areley Kings, Great Witley and Shrawley.

Field's Service Station in Dunley has also backed the initiative after agreeing to sponsor the Wyre Forest District Council scheme.

Tim Field, proprietor of the garage, said: "It is a good idea because so many people complain about the litter in verges. By supporting this initiative we can, hopefully, encourage more people to think about the litter problem and make our streets look even better."

Councillor Marcus Hart, the council's cabinet member for commercial services, said: "The council welcomes this support and to have another cleansing operative will make a real difference to the area. It will complement the work we are doing and he will be working in the community every day.

"The sponsors are keen on environmental protection issues and wanted to put something back into the community.

"They felt that the best way was to sponsor a litter picker."