Sandwell's biggest ever clean up is underway after the Big Spring Clean 2010 was launched last week.

Almost 160 volunteers got on board for the launch of the campaign. The morning kicked off at Wodensborough Community Technology College in Wednesbury where pupils collected litter on and outside the school grounds.

The campaign then continued into the afternoon in Smethwick, which included pupils from Victoria Park Primary, Shireland Collegiate Academy, Shireland Hall Primary, Crocketts Community School, Cape Primary and St Phillips Primary.

Pupils were joined by officers from Sandwell Council's Communities Unit, Parks and Green Spaces Team, Tipton Litterwatch,  PCSOs, West Midlands Police, Black Country Living Landscape, Black Country Housing Association and the Helping Hand Company.

Environmental characters, Bertie The Bag and Eco Girl, also made an appearance to kick-start the proceedings and entertain the children.

This year, the campaign has broadened its appeal and will not only be dealing with litter. Planting, painting, landscaping will all be a part of the clean up.

Sandwell Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing Cllr Mahboob Hussain said:

"This year we have the biggest ever clean up campaign planned. I am delighted that so many parts of the borough will benefit.

I would like to thank our partners and volunteers for backing the campaign in such a big way. The council's Deep Clean project is also running alongside the Big Spring Clean so we are matching the effort volunteers are making with our time and resources too."

The campaign will continue until mid June, so if you would like to take part contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/bigspringclean to register your interest online.