STAFF at your local newspaper have shown their commitment to keeping their town tidy as they take part in a popular local campaign.

After launching for another year last month, The Mail's Big Clean Campaign has seen a number of events take place already from Barrow to Bootle, and our staff were eager to be involved again.

Tackling the car park outside The Mail's Barrow office on Abbey Road, our dedicated team collected a mass of waste dumped around.

Reporter Reece Hanson said: "The Big Clean is always a great initiative which the community never fails to get behind.

"There is always a feelgood factor at the end of each Big Clean and we are pleased with our efforts.

"Hopefully we have helped keep a small section of the town, in such a busy area as Abbey Road, tidy and more pleasant for passers-by."

From carrier bags to plastic bottles and even a dog toy, the team of reporters made sure not a single piece was left.

Last year, Big Clean events were held by a number of local schools, organisations and businesses, as well as community leaders and volunteer groups.

Mr Hanson said: "Here at The Mail, we are always looking to champion our towns and villages and the fantastic people in them, many of who will be organising events like this over the summer.

"We heard some great stories last year about tireless efforts to keep this corner of Cumbria clean, and we are on the lookout for more of the same this summer.

"Most of the litter we collected could have been easily recycled or thrown into bins nearby, so we hope the stories we tell in the weeks ahead will inspire people to take greater care of their area."

Anyone wanting to show their support and get involved in a Big Clean event this year, call Reece Hanson on 01229 840 143 or email reece.hanson@newsquest.co.uk.

This year, The Mail's Big Clean is sponsored by Kimberly-Clark and Spirit Energy.