A beautiful spot in the Stroud district is set for a spring clean - and anyone can join in.

Volunteers who want to help rid Minchinhampton Common of rubbish will be provided with everything they need to get it looking great, this Saturday (24th March).

Stroud District Council's neighbourhood warden Pete Tiley (pictured) has arranged the event to highlight two issues - dog fouling and litter.

Pete said: "People might be surprised to hear there are litter problems in Amberley and Minchinhampton.

"However feedback from local residents is that dog fouling and litter are the two issues that not only spoil the natural beauty of Minchinhampton Common, but also pose a threat to the cows that live there for part of the year."

Cows graze on Minchinhampton Common between May and October and their grazing is essential in maintaining the grassland which makes the common a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Both dog faeces and litter can be fatal for the cows and calves if ingested.

Volunteers can either meet at Amberley War memorial or the car park at the end of Bell Lane, Minchinhampton at 10am. The litter picking will continue until 2pm.

Equipment including litter picks, gloves, bin bags and reflective vests will be provided, but suitable clothing and stout footwear should be worn.

If you would like to organise your own community spring clean, resources are available on the Keep Britain Tidy website at www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean