THE campaign to give Grimsby a clean sweep continues – and has proved to be a sparkling success.

Around 40 volunteers came out in force to help with day two of the Big Tidy Up.

As reported, the Grimsby In Bloom led scheme, which is being run in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy's national initiative, has been launched with the aim of restoring civic pride in the town.

On Saturday, teams of volunteers – including North East Lincolnshire councillors and youngsters from Grimsby's Army cadets – came together to declare war on the litter blighting the Freshney and Yarborough wards.

Beer cans, cigarette butts and food wrappers were just some of items picked up by the dedicated team of grime-fighters.

A whopping 38 bags of rubbish were collected in the Freshney ward alone.

Organiser of the clean up operation, Ernie Brown, said: "We have been very pleased with the response from volunteers.

"Having so many people turning out to help us is a sign that the people do care about how the town's environment.

"It is all about instilling a sense of civic pride in the area.

"The more that people see us picking up litter and trying to make a difference the more it raises awareness of what we are trying to achieve."

Cllr Dave Boylen (Lib Dem, Freshney), said: "It has gone very well and we have picked up absolutely loads of rubbish.

"It has really opened my eyes to the amount of rubbish that is dropped in the area.

"The Big Tidy Up is a great thing to get involved with and those who organise it do a fantastic job.

"I hope it continues and if it does I would certainly like to be involved again."

For more on the weekend's event, check out today's Grimsby Telegraph.

The next Big Tidy Up event will take place on Saturday. In the morning the team will tackle the Heneage ward – focusing on the area around Hainton Avenue, Sixhills Street, Convamore Road, Peaksfield Avenue and Willingham Street. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the YOS offices, 44 Heneage Road at 10am.

The afternoon session will take place in the Park ward from 1-3pm, focusing on the area around Abbey Road, Lambert Road, Welholme Road, Legsby Avenue, Fairbrother Street and Highfield Avenue. Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to meet outside Park Keepers' Cottage, Peoples Park.