Gainford pupils help launch Litter Free Durham's Big Spring Clean campaign (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Gainford pupils help launch Litter Free Durham's Big Spring Clean campaign

12:10pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Stuart Laundy, Reporter (Barnard Castle & Teesdale)

CHILDREN at a rural school are spearheading a county-wide spring clean.

Pupils at Gainford Primary helped launch Litter Free Durham's annual Big Spring Clean by making sure the school grounds were free from rubbish.

This year's clean-up campaign – the third - will run from March 18 to May 12 and organisers hope as many individuals, groups and businesses get involved.

Litter Free Durham chairman and Darlington Borough councillor Gerald Lee, said last year more than 1,100 volunteers joined in the campaign.

“Through Litter Free Durham, we have spoken to about 3,500 children to get the message across not to drop litter.

“We have also met community groups and parish councils to help clean their patches up.

“We would also like shop owners and factories to take responsibility for the area around their premises.”

He sid this year, companies such as McDonalds and Cummins had agreed to join the campaign, while the Environment Agency has agreed to clean stretches of the Wear and Skerne.

Registration is now open for the Big Spring Clean. Full details of how to join in, including a litter-picking guide and registration forms are available at www.litterfreedurham.org