MORE than 100 bags of rubbish have been collected during the first two weeks of a York clean-up operation.

The Smarter York Spring Clean campaign, run by City of York Council, has been carried out by volunteers and North Yorkshire Probation Trust's Community Payback team with the aim of sprucing up the city.

Tasks include litter-picking, planting, weeding, edging and painting, with work so far being focused on Clifton, Rawcliffe, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe.

Coun David Levene, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "The response from residents has been brilliant and next week we'll be tackling new areas, so we'd encourage anybody who wants to be involved to come and join us."

The Fulford and Fishergate wards are next on the list and those wanting to take part can join Friends of Fenby Fields for a litter-pick and clearing of undergrowth on Sunday between 2pm and 4pm, meeting at the Cornwall Drive entrance.

A similar scheme will be taking place in Copmanthorpe on April 9, meeting outside the post office on Main Street at 9.30am, and more information is at york.gov.uk/smarteryork