Dedicated volunteers are cleaning up the district to boost civic pride.

The initiative started with two recruits but after an article appeared in the Telegraph & Argus eight more volunteers have signed up for operation clean-up, sweeping up and maintaining their local patches.

Councillor Bob Hargreaves (Lib Dem, Bolton) came up with the idea after talking to pensioner George Wallace, who has swept the road near his home and picked up litter daily for many years.

"It's fantastic that the concept has grown like this.

"I'm hoping that it won't stop here and that eventually we will have one person in every street recruited to look after that area."

Volunteers have been recruited in Manningham, Barkerend Road, Tong and Undercliffe.

"We are getting people signing up from all communities," said Coun Hargreaves.

Each of the recruits is issued with a Bradford Council clean-up pack.

"They get a litter picker, green refuse bags and gloves," said Brian Dobson, a cleansing manager for Bradford Council.

Bradford Council's Director of Environmental Services, Richard Wixey, said: "This is a really good initiative. My department is keen to get people involved in helping clean up their area. We really value people's efforts and are glad to supply clean-up kits so that they can participate safely."

Bernard Shaw, 70, of Idle Road, was the second person to sign up.

"I am proud to take part in a scheme like this and help keep my area clean," he said. "I think far more people should do it."

Ginette Unsworth, of Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Keep Britain Tidy knows from research that litter attracts litter and other forms of anti-social behaviour. If there is rubbish there people think they might as well add to it and that it won't make any difference, even though it does.

"It's great to see communities that have people willing to look after their own street. If everyone took pride in their patch and scrubbed their step

as they used to then England may not have the £415 million a year litter problem it has now."

Melvyn Spencer, 44, of Bolton Road, cleans from outside his house right the way to the end of the street.

He said keeping the area clean had lifted community spirit.

"People are happier when the area they live in looks tidy," he said.

Mr Wixey added: "We are always looking for new ways to improve the local environment and anyone wanting information on getting involved in a similar project should contact (01274) 431000."