COMMUNITY groups have the chance to share a £1,000 prize fund for cleaning up their neighbourhood.

Cotswold District Council has re-launched a spring clean-up competition after the success of last year's Clean for the Queen project.

The Great Cotswolds Clean-up competition encourages schools, community groups and other volunteers to carry out a litter pick whilst taking before and after photos as well as providing a plan to continue reducing litter.

Councillor Sue Coakley, cabinet member for environment said: "We normally experience a big demand for litter pick equipment and advice from quite a few volunteer groups at this time of year, but we saw a marked increase when we staged the Clean for the Queen competition last year and we hope to see a similar boost in interest this time around.

"I know that many residents are keen to tackle the blight of litter in their localities, and the availability of a prize fund is a small incentive to say thank you.

“I should remind potential volunteers that the winners will be required to spend the prize money on improving or maintaining the appearance of their community.”

The competition will run from Friday March 3 until Sunday April 30 coinciding with Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British clean up weekend.

First place in the competition will receive £500 with the runner-up and third place winning £300 and £200 respectively.

The council can supply bags, pickers, gloves and high visibility jackets for clean-up work and can also arrange for Ubico Ltd to make special collections of bags after litter picks.

To enter, email cdc@cotswold.gov.uk or call 01285 623123 with the location of the litter pick as well as the size of the working party and the name of a community representative to communicate with the council and take before and after pictures.

Call 01285 623123 if you require assistance with equipment or collection of filled bags.