TAUNTON is having a 'litter blitz' as part of a nationwide effort to spruce up the country for the Queen's 90th birthday on April 21.

And if you fancy clearing up your area, Taunton Deane Council's Direct Labour Organisatrion (DLO) is offering to loan equipment and supply collction services.

The council is encouraging and supporting groups and individuals doing their bit as part of the Clean for the Queen initiative.

Executive councillor for community leadership Cllr Jane Warmington said: "We would encourage as many groups, individuals and organisations as possible to take part.

"Where possible the DLO is happy to support any event with the loan of tools and equipment.

"They will also supply staff to collect and dispose of waste from organised events.”

The Halcon and North Taunton One Teams are among those preparing to join the scheme, which is backed by all the UK’s litter charities.

Both teams regularly organise community littler picks but will be pulling out all the stops for the Clean for the Queen event.

The North Taunton One Team will be in Wellesley Street and Grange Walk from 10am until 12 noon on Sunday, March 6 with tthe North Taunton Scout Group. Other residents will be helping with refreshments for when the litter pickers finish.

The Halcon One Team is holding a litter pick on Saturday, March 12, when they will be given a helping hand by Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, starting from the Acorn Children's Centre at 9.30am.

There is also a parish litter pick at Otterford on Saturday, March 12.

And volunteers from the West County branch of the Inland Waterways Association have organised a Clean for the Queen event along the banks of the River Tone on Saturday, March 5.

They will be joined by staff from Tesco's Taunton store, the Friends of Longrun Meadow, the Friends of French Weir Park, the Friends of Bridgwater Docks and Canal, and the Somerset Waterways Development Trust for the mammoth litter pick from Bathpool to French Weir.

Any group or individual who wants to take part in the Clean for the Queen can find information and resources at http://www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk/home/2365 To request assistance from Taunton Deane contact Highways & Cleansing@tauntondeane.gov.uk and an officer will respond.