Volunteers are being asked to do their bit for the British Spring Clean, which begins today (Friday).

The national litter picking blitz, by Keep Britain Tidy, continues until April 10 with this year's slogan: "One bag makes a BIG difference."

People in Dover district are needed to join litter picking initiatives for the campaign.

Dover District Council can provide the necessary equipment for people to organise their own clearups and will arrange to take away any rubbish that is collected.

This year DDC's Environmental Crime and Community teams are also planning to tour the district to support the campaign and will encourage residents to come along to our outdoor pop-up events.

They will be on hand with litter picking equipment, games to educate younger visitors and information to help residents reduce, reuse and recycle.

The events continue at the following times and places:

Sunday, March 27, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Kingsdown Beach by the Zetland Arms.

Tuesday, March 29, 10am to 12.30pm, Capel-le-Ferne Village Recreation Ground, Lancaster Avenue.

Wednesday, March 30, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Market Place Car Park, Aylesham.

Thursday, March 31, 2pm to 4.30pm, The Linces Recreation Ground, Sheridan Road, Buckland, Dover

Saturday, April 2, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Shakespeare Beach, Dover.

Sunday, April 3, 10.30am to noon, St Margaret's Bay Beach.

Tuesday, April 5, 2pm to 4.30pm, Victoria Park, Deal.

Thursday, April 7, 2pm to 4pm, Eastry Gun Park Recreation Ground.

Friday, April 8, 2pm to 4pm, Quayside, Sandwich.

Saturday, April 9, 10am to noon, Kearsney Abbey, Temple Ewell.

DDC has also teamed up with its recycling, refuse and street cleansing contractor Veolia to host a design competition.

Residents aged under 18 are asked to create a poster that will encourage people to bin their litter. The winning design will appear on two of Veolia's vehicles that are used in the district.

There will be a £50 voucher for the winner and £25 vouchers for two runners up.

Dover District Council is also supporting the Great British Spring Clean through its Environmental Awards Scheme to find people who have been the best in tasks such as litter clearing and recycling.

The closing date for nominations for those considered to deserve the award is Friday, April 1.

For more information about taking part in the GBSC visit the web page dover.gov.uk/GBSC

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