A MISSION to tidy up the Dudley borough's parks kicks off this weekend.

Volunteer led litter picks will take place at five parks across the borough as part of the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, which runs from March 22 to April 23.

People can join in with clean-up operations at Buffery Park, Wollescote Park, Netherton Park, Wordsley Park and Mary Stevens Park, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and park friends groups.

High-vis jackets, litter pickers and bags will also be on hand to help out the volunteers.

Buffery Park will enjoy a spring clean on Sunday March 24 where Buffery Park Friends will be working with Blackacre Buffery Tenants association from 10am to 12pm. Volunteers can be found at the paradise centre in the park.

At Wollescote Park, the Friends Group will be litter picking on Sunday March 24 from 10am to 12pm. Volunteers will meet near the top car park off Wollescote Road.

Netherton Park Friends will have their Big Spring Clean on Saturday April 6 from 10am to 12pm, with volunteers meeting at the activity centre.

People can join Wordsley Park (KGV) friends group, which will be holding a tidy up day on Saturday 6 April from 11am to 1pm.

Over at Mary Stevens Park a local resident is organising a Stourbridge area ‘rubbish hunt’ from 10am on Sunday 14 April. The event is being organised in conjunction with Friends of the Earth and Tidy Stourbridge and will be followed by a community event in the park.

Councillor John Martin, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment, said: "We are always looking to make our borough as clean and green as possible and volunteer led clean ups and litter picks like these ones make a huge difference to our parks.

"Our litter pick packs are always available to volunteer and community groups and people can find out more by contacting Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.”