VOLUNTEERS got to grips with litter at the weekend in a group effort to keep Dines Green clean.

A community litter-pick, inspired by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust's annual Rubbish? Sort It! campaign, was led by councillor Margaret Layland, who was joined by 30 eager volunteers.

Residents young and old gave the area a spring clean, collecting a total of 55kg (8st 9lbs) of glass, wood, cans and paper from the estate.

Alan McGonigle, of Oldbury Road,

St John's, said he got a leaflet about the litter-pick through his door and thought it seemed like a good idea.

"It's nice to see so many people here - and not just people from Dines Green - doing their bit for the environment."

His 11-year-old son Alistair also got involved and said he enjoyed himself.

"There was lots of litter but it was more fun than I expected," he said.

All the volunteers were given an extra incentive and were entered in a prize draw to win a free hair cut and blow dry at Dines Green hairdressers Scissor Sisters.

Coun Layland said she was pleased with the turnout.

"It did my heart good to see all those people, considering it's not the nicest job in the world," she said. "I'm now hoping we can organise similar events in the future."

The rubbish collected will be sorted and recycled.

The Rubbish? Sort It! campaign, now in its sixth year, is being officially launched by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck, in

St Andrew's Gardens, off City Walls Road, today.