COMMUNITY group Sale Wombles is ensuring that its 'tidy up' message spreads throughout the town.

The group has launched a scheme to lend litter picker equipment on a long-term basis to help people keep their areas spic and span.

The initiative has been a major success, with volunteer litter pickers now making good use of the equipment throughout the area.

Sale Wombles' Kirsty Mansfield said: "We were increasingly aware that lots of people wanted to rid their streets and parks of litter but were unable to attend Sale Wombles’ regular monthly organised litter picks.

"With this in mind we advertised for outreach volunteers and have been inundated with requests, especially from families living in Sale Moor.

"Once we receive a request we loan out our equipment on a long term basis and all we ask is that volunteers let us know periodically how many bags of litter they have collected for funding purposes.”

The outreach volunteers regularly post photos and stories on Facebook which has then encouraged more people to get involved.

Many of the volunteers have been encouraged to join the team after being asked by their children.

Alexandra Langhorn, a Sale Moor resident, said: ’It was my son Theo’s idea to get involved.

"He had started to notice the litter on the way to school and said how easy it would be to put it in the bin. Litter picks are now the highlight of his week.

"I think it is important to get the kids involved as it is all part of taking responsibility for the town we live in."

Work commitments had meant that Sale Moor resident Claire Pickin could not commit to organised voluntary work, which is why she was attracted to being an outreach volunteer.

"I was looking to do some voluntary work which fits in with my work as a yoga teacher. Doing litter picks means I can decide when to do it without having to commit to a specific time."

Other Sale residents have got involved to improve their parks. Rachel Evans decided to complement her work with Friends of Moor Nook Park with regular litter picks in the park. Rachel said: "It’s been brilliant to be able to borrow Sale Wombles litter pickers as we can fit it in as and when it suits us. It’s lovely when people using Moor Nook Park thank us. "They seem to really appreciate it."

Further details on Sale Wombles at www.salewombles.org.uk. They are also on Facebook and Twitter or can be contacted at salewombles@gmail.com