WAVERLEY Borough Council is backing a campaign to get half a million people out and about cleaning up their local communities this March.

The brand new Great British Spring Clean will roll out for the first time in 2017, with a view to it becoming an annual event helping to bring people together and clean up the country.

TV wildlife presenter and children’s favourite Steve Backshall is lending his support to the national campaign, which is backed by the key anti-litter charities including Keep Britain Tidy, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.

Waverley will be encouraging and supporting groups and individuals who want to ‘do their bit’ to help clear up the litter that blights the borough’s streets and parks.

Jim Edwards, Waverley’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Great British Spring Clean and we encourage as many groups, individuals and organisations as possible to take part.

“Waverley will be lending out equipment, including litter pickers, gloves and tabards, to those who need some equipment to hold their own event.

“We’d love to hear how many of you are taking part, so please send us your pictures and we will share them on our social media channels.”

Litter remains a huge problem across the country, causing harm to the environment and wildlife, with councils in England having to spend over £700 million on street cleaning services every year.

To borrow equipment from Waverley email [email protected]. To take part in the campaign and set up you own clean up event visit the website www.greatbritishspringclean.org.uk.