Schools, residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to get involved in an annual spring clean initiative.

This year’s is being organised by Waltham Forest council with Keep Britain Tidy, which is running a national campaign to help clean up Britain before the Queen’s 90th birthday in April.

The scheme will run over the first two weekends of March and the council will provide equipment to volunteers.

Last year there were 48 different events across the borough, removing 18 tonnes of waste and planting over 2,000 bedding plants.

Groups ranged from scouts to mosques and included 17 schools and 31 residents' associations.

Selwyn Primary School in Highams Park had 250 children go out in shifts to pick up litter.

In Leytonstone, residents gathered outside the station armed with bin bags and gloves for litter picking, and spades, rakes and shovels for planting.

Aubrey Road Residents Association went even further being supplied with heavy duty cutters, a tree saw and black paint for lampposts by the council.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest council, said: "This year we aim for an even better turnout and to make an even greater impact.

"It’s become an annual tradition that has really captured the imagination of local communities up and down the borough over the years.

"Everyone is welcome to take part and council officers will be happy to accommodate requests for help and equipment.”

To organise a clean-up or to join one near you, email the council’s neighbourhoods team at neighbourhoods@walthamforest.gov.uk or phone 0208 496 3000.