JUST half way into this year's Rubbish? Sort It! campaign, already more than two tons of waste has been cleared.

Despite poor weather conditions during the past fortnight, 180 children and adults have taken part in 12 litter picking and recycling events around the city.

Schools, residents' groups and youth groups have all organised events as part of the third annual campaign, organised by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, city and county councils and supported by the Evening News.

"As ever, we are delighted with the response and groups are making a big impact on clearing up the litter on the ground," said Mark Driscoll, project manager for the Trust.

"With two weeks to go, groups still have time to register with us to organise a clean-up within their own area.

"People aged six to 80 have been involved with the campaign this year so anyone can get involved."

The environmental charity has also been awarded £99,320 by the Social, Economic and Environmental Programme, to go towards two projects - The Pump House Environment Centre and The Worcestershire Resource Exchange, which is being formally opened on Friday by Cecil Duckworth, the Trust's chairman, and city councillor Derek Prodger.

The Exchange, located on Gregory's Bank Industrial Estate, Barbourne, is being set up to provide a scrap store warehouse in the city to encourage local businesses to donate waste materials rather than throwing them away.

The store will then pass on these materials to playgroups, arts and community groups to use.

"The National Lottery funding from the SEED programme will help us to reduce waste produced by local businesses, while diverting it to a wide range of community groups who can use it in creative ways," added Mr Driscoll.

The second project is the development of the former Victorian pump house in Gheluvelt Park, which is being turned into a community environment centre.