PETERSFIELD town councillor Katie Pitt rolled up her sleeves this week and started preparing for the great sponsored town clean-up on Wednesday.

Miss Pitt was so concerned about the amount of litter strewn around Petersfield that she has organised the massive sponsored litter pick.

She hopes to raise much-needed funds for the Acorns Opportunities group, which helps children with special needs in the Petersfield area and clean up the town at the same time.

Miss Pitt has gathered an army of litter pickers who will take on the task next Wednesday.

More than 40 Churcher's pupils will join the team, along with youngsters from The Petersfield School. Friends of the Heath will swell the forces and members of the Air Training Corps will also take part.

Miss Pitt hopes to be joined by fellow town councillors and McDonald's restaurant, which is helping to organise the litter pick, will also be represented.

Litter bags and the all-important gloves are to be provided by East Hampshire District Council.

McDonald's will be handing out meal vouchers to all those who take part. The restaurant will also be helping litter pickers to dispose of all their litter and restaurant staff will be joining the effort.

"I want as many people as possible to help us with this project," said Miss Pitt, "because I'm hoping it will help not only the youngsters, but their parents as well, to learn more about the problems facing those who are trying to keep the town litter-free."

"What concerns me," she added, "is that at the moment we are spending thousands of pounds every year on collecting rubbish which has been just literally chucked down on the ground and this is money which could be put towards things the youngsters really want and need in the town."

This week Miss Pitt is busy drawing up maps of exactly where litter pickers should head next Wednesday to collect rubbish in safe areas.

Anyone who would like to take part in the event should meet at 3-30 pm at High Meadow next to the Swan Surgery to help pupils from The Petersfield School and others tackle areas specified by organisers.

Townspeople can also meet at 3-30pm at Petersfield Heath kiosk to join Churcher's pupils and others who will be tackling litter on the Heath.