STUDENTS from Wisbech Grammar School have started doing regular litter picks in the area around the school.

Different classes from Year 7 will be out and about near the Hudson Leisure Centre every other Thursday lunchtime.

The clean-ups were initiated after the school contacted Fenland District Council’s Street Pride co-ordinator Rebecca Robinett to say they wanted to do their bit to improve the local area.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for the environment, joined them on their first outing earlier this month, when they collected four bags of rubbish in an hour.

He said: “The students were very enthusiastic and really got stuck into it. Street Pride already works with a number of primary schools and it would be really good if we could get other secondary schools involved as well.

“Meanwhile, we are always looking for more volunteers for all our Street Pride groups, who continue to do a great job all across the district.”

The students’ efforts will reinforce the work of the Wisbech Street Pride group, whose recent projects have included helping to plant thousands of daffodils along Cromwell Road.

They came together with other volunteers from Wisbech in Bloom and staff from The Landscape Group, FDC’s grounds maintenance contractors, to plant more than 3,000 mixed bulbs.

Andy Griffiths, from The Landscape Group, said: “It was fantastic to work with other local organisations on this project and the ease with which all 3,000 bulbs were planted is proof that many hands make light work.

“The mix of bulbs should ensure a lengthy display as they will flower at different stages of spring.”

• For more information on Street Pride, call Rebecca Robinett on 01354 654321 or e-mail rrobinett@fenland.gov.uk