VOLUNTEERS are taking to the streets next weekend to give York a "spring clean".

Seventeen litter picks have been arranged around the city as part of the Great British Spring Clean on March 2 to 4, and people are being encouraged to join in or set up their own event.

The city council and the Business Improvement District (BID) are both backing calls for people to take part.

BID director Andrew Lowson said: “We all know how important it is to keep the city clean for the businesses who operate here, the residents who call it home, and the millions of visitors we host every year."

The council will collect waste in bags printed with a ‘V’ for volunteer and will provide equipment. To get involved, request help, or register an event contact environmentandcommunity@york.gov.uk or 01904 551551, or visit www.york.gov.uk/GBspringclean.