A TOWN-WIDE clean-up gets underway this weekend – and there’s still time for those who haven’t already registered an interest to get involved.

The Big Hitchin Tidy Up will take place across the town tomorrow (Sunday), with a dozen sites earmarked for a clean-up.

More than 80 volunteers have signed up so far, with hopes to raise that number to more than 100 come the weekend.

Those who have not already come forward can either join in at existing sites, or put forward their own ideas.

The event, which has been organised by Hitchin Forum and is backed by the Comet, follows a similar one last year, run to spruce up the town in time for the Queen’s visit.

Co-organiser Ellie Clarke said: “We are now covering a dozen sites around the town and have over 80 volunteers donning gloves and old clothes to clear up open spaces and footpaths in the town. We hope even more people will contact us to join in.”

Volunteers include residents, as well as organisations Friends of Butts Close, Hitchin Bridge Club, Friends of the Earth, the Triangle Community Garden and West Hitchin Action Group.

Parents and staff from Millennium First Steps Day Nursery are also chipping in, as are pupils and teachers from The Priory School.

“They have put up posters in school, sent letters home, tutors have done form time sessions with the pupils and they have had an assembly on The Big Hitchin Tidy Up,” said Ellie.

“They will be tackling footpaths around Redhill Road so we hope to make a huge difference in that area.”

Judith Gurney, co-organiser, added: “We are absolutely delighted with the response we’ve had so far and are looking forward to a great day on Sunday.”

Most groups and residents will be heading out between 10am and midday, but a big clean up at Oughtonhead Lane takes place on Monday morning. Comet reporter Laura Burge will be among those taking part.

For more information, or to volunteer to help with one of the areas, email litter@hitchinforum.org.uk or go onto the Hitchin Forum website at www.hitchinforum.org.uk