Communities across Broadland are being urged to get involved in a nationwide litter clear-up in March.

Keep Britain Tidy is hosting its annual Great British Spring Clean weekend from Friday, March 2 to Sunday, March 4,

John Fisher, Broadland District Council's portfolio holder for environmental excellence, said: 'This is a great opportunity for residents to come together, get stuck in and spruce up their community in preparation for the summer sunshine.

'It is a shame that we often see litter in our towns and countryside. These groups go the extra mile to help keep Broadland beautiful- a big thank you to everyone who is getting involved.'

Litter picks have already been organised by residents in Foulsham, Horsford, Acle and Haveringland as well as by National Trust volunteers on the Blickling Estate.

Deborah Boldero, who has organised the upcoming litter pick in Haveringland, said: 'The idea of joining in with the community clear-up month came from walking the lanes over the winter months and seeing so much rubbish strewn along the verges.

'I shared my concerns through our parish magazine and at our annual parish meeting where a dozen others agreed to do a clear up. We bagged almost 40kg and made seven large piles of rubbish in just two hours.'

The success of litter pickers is already being seen in Brampton, near Aylsham, where a dozen residents worked on Saturday, February 17 to collect seven bags of litter.

Mark Little, who organised the event, said: 'Litter picks like this are great for community spirit. We all generate a great deal of pride from a village spring clean. It is a version of community activity, albeit a slightly less pleasant one, and with it we know that spring is approaching.'

The council can loan a limited amount of equipment to community groups including litter pickers, hi-vis vests and bin liners and is also able to arrange collection of the rubbish.

For more information or advice about planning a clear-up event, contact the council's waste and recycling team at ContractsOfficer@broadland.gov.uk or call 01603 430534.