NEARLY 200 people have signed up for a massive litter-pick on Malvern's commons.

The event has been organised by local church groups, who are involved with the Helping Hands community project, plus Malvern Hills Conservators.

Helping Hands began in Brazil, when a large group of people spontaneously got together and cleaned up all the rubbish from the famous Copacabana beach.

The movement has spread throughout the world but this is the first year that events have been held in the UK.

The litter-pick is being held on Saturday, September 24, from 10am until 1pm, and will be followed by a picnic for participants.

Nicky Quinn, Conservators' warden, said: "If you would like to join us, we are looking for litter pickers and also people to guide the litter pickers around the commons."

She would also like to hear from anyone who knows about "grot spots" on the commons which need particular attention. She can be reached at the Conser-vators' office, Grange Road, or on 01684 892002.

n Residents of the Picker-sleigh area were due to take part in their own litter pick yesterday (Thursday). The event, arranged by Malvern Hills District Council's street scene team, along with the Duckworth Trust, was due to start at 10am, including a barbecue lunch at Pickersleigh Community Centre and go on into the mid-afternoon.