CARPET giant Brintons is the first Wyre Forest firm to sign up to a code of practice aimed at helping to banish grime from the district.

The company, a global leader in carpet manufacturing, is leading the way as the Grime's A Crime campaign, run by the district council in association with the Shuttle/Times and News, enters a new stage.

Firms are being invited to sign up to the voluntary Business Code of Practice, which involves committing to six waste management practice checkpoints. District council commercial services chief Andrew Dickens gives the seal of approval as Brintons chairman Michael Brinton signs up to the business code of conduct.

Successful firms receive a certificate which lasts two years and will be included in a forthcoming Shuttle/Times and News "Roll of Honour", and will also be allowed to use campaign mascot Mr Grimestopper to advertise their involvement in the scheme.

Brintons chairman Michael Brinton said the firm had been "very keen" to support the initiative.

"We try to keep the place as clean and tidy as possible," he added.

"This is something we would encourage manufacturing businesses to participate in. We all live here and we will all benefit."

Council Green Desk spokeswoman Beth Williams said: "The campaign is all about people working together with a common aim of improving the cleanliness of the district, and this code of practice is a great way to acknowledge and reward conscientious businesses."

She said firms would also be able to increase efficiency and reduce costs by signing up to the code, which demands they keep premises and surrounding areas "attractive and clean".

They are also required to check contents of skips or waste containers to make sure materials are not being wasted and they are not over-full before being emptied, as well as separating wastes at source for recycling or re-use and ensuring waste containers are safe and secure.

The launch of the code is the latest stage of a campaign which has so far seen a special phone line being set up for people to register litter hotspots and eyesores, with district councillors taking part in community litter-picks last month.

Portfolio holder for community life councillor Ken Stokes said: "It is vital for the success of the anti-litter campaign that we are able to enlist the support of local businesses."