A huge campaign has been launched to clean-up Keighley.

The whole community is being urged to get involved in the grime-busting blitz.

The initiative -- backed by the Keighley News -- follows concerns about growing levels of litter blighting the town.

MP Ann Cryer, who has been bombarded with complaints from constituents about the situation, is spearheading the effort.

Schools are being invited to take part in a poster competition and a special "clean-up week" will be held later this year.

The purge comes as the Keighley in Bloom campaign, led by the town council's recreation and leisure committee, continues to gain pace.

People are being asked as part of that venture to tidy their neighbourhoods in readiness for a visit on July 17 of judges from the Yorkshire in Bloom competition, and a best-kept garden contest is being held.

Mrs Cryer said everyone -- individuals, groups and businesses -- would benefit from a cleaner Keighley and had a shared responsibility to contribute to the effort.

She told the Keighley News: "All it takes is for someone to walk down some streets in Keighley to realise that the problem of litter is growing. It is unsightly, unhealthy and more importantly unnecessary. It would improve the town no end if we could tackle this problem.

"Not only will the Cleaner Keighley campaign make the town more attractive to live in for everyone, it will make it more attractive for those who want to invest in the town. A cleaner Keighley must be good for people and businesses alike.

"I have already received overwhelming support from local schools."

She has written to all primary and secondary schools in Keighley about the poster contest, which will be judged in three age categories -- under 11s, 11 to 16-year-olds and over 16s. All entries will be displayed in her office -- at 35 Devonshire Street, Keighley -- prior to the judging, which will be carried out by Mrs Cryer with prominent local resident Charlie Bhowmick and Keighley News editor Malcolm Hoddy.

The best designs will then be put on show across the town to promote the anti-litter message.

Mrs Cryer added: "The idea is that the posters will raise awareness about the unacceptability of dropping litter. We will then select a week to encourage schools, community centres and groups, businesses, offices and individuals to actively participate in the Cleaner Keighley campaign. There will be prizes for those who clean up the most litter.

"I will be writing to members of the business community for their support, and help in organising prizes.

"I am delighted that the Keighley News has agreed to support the campaign. I hope that all the schools will participate in the poster competition and that everyone will then help to clean up Keighley.

"We have to get the message over that to drop litter is anti-social behaviour."

Entries for the poster contest should be sent to Mrs Cryer's office by 4.30pm on July 18. Anyone interested in getting involved in the campaign, or wanting further details about the poster competition, should contact her office on 01535 210083.

l Full details of the Yorkshire in Bloom judges' route and the gardens contest will appear in next week's Keighley News.