People in Fenland are being encouraged to “join the army” of volunteers that aim to turn the tide against plastic during a nationwide pick-up campaign this weekend.

Litter-busters from six of the district’s ‘Street Pride’ groups will join more than 8,600 people who have signed up to the event being held from Friday May 11 to Sunday May 13.

Lead by the Daily Mail and environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign aims to “encourage communities and individuals to come together to help pick up and collect as much discarded plastic as they can”.

Councillor Peter Murphy, the council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “I’m delighted to see our dedicated Street Pride volunteers taking part in the Great Plastic Pick Up.

“The television programme Blue Planet really brought home to people the blight caused by discarded plastic and this campaign is a great opportunity to do something about it.

“With the help of our communities and individuals we can help tackle this scourge in our district, so I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

The litter-picks are being held on:

• Wisbech Street Pride – Friday, May 11, 10am, meet in the Market Place

• Newton-in-the-Isle Street Pride – Saturday, May 12, 10.30am, meet Village Hall

• March Street Pride – Saturday, May 12, 10am, meet at the George Campbell Centre

• Elm Street Pride – Saturday, May 12, 10am, meet at the War Memorial

• Chatteris Street Pride – Saturday, May 12, 10am, meet at Church Lane Car Park

• Manea Street Pride – Sunday, May 13, 10am, meet at the Meat and Eat Café

A spokesman said: “Anyone wanting to join in the campaign is welcome to attend one of the six Street Pride litter picks taking place, or organise their own in any public open space, park or street.

“If you need litter-picking equipment you can contact Rebecca Robinett, Fenland District Council’s Street Pride coordinator, on 01354 654321 or email rrobinett@fenland.gov.uk.

“The Council will also remove any rubbish collected.”

The campaign has been backed by Prime Minister Theresa May and celebrities including TV wildlife experts Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham.

The spokesman added: “If you are getting involved, whether by yourself or as part of a group, please let us know [on Twitter] via @FenlandCouncil and we’ll make sure that your hard work to keep Fenland clean and tidy gets recognised!”