HUNDREDS of litter pickers took to the streets of Oxford as this year’s annual OxClean Spring Clean started.

MP Nicola Blackwood lead her own annual litter pick yesterday in the areas around the Pear Tree Roundabout to Wolvercote Roundabout

OxClean has returned for its 10th year and was launched at The Cherwell School in Marston Ferry Road, Oxford, two weeks ago under the slogan ‘Let’s Keep Oxford Tidy’.

The clean-up will involve about 1,000 volunteers and it is estimated more than 60 tonnes of litter was cleared from the streets last year.

Ms Blackwood, who has taken part since 2009, and a group of volunteers blitz the neighbourhoods in North Oxford.

She said: “It’s always excellent to see the community come together to clean up our local environment and I’d like to thank everyone who is taking part helping to spruce up our neighbourhood and raise awareness.

“OxClean has a real impact on our city and we want to encourage locals to take pride in our community.”

More community groups will blitz grot spots today and tomorrow around the city, including the area around the Kassam Stadium in Grenoble Road.

OxClean organiser Rosanne Bostock said they had about between 70 and 80 groups signed up so far.

She added they had more litter pickers than ever before signed up.

For more information or to volunteer visit: oxclean.org