Communities are being invited to clean up their neighbourhoods with the chance to win the share of a £1,000.

Now in its fourth year, Cotswold District Council's Great Cotswold Clean up competition will get underway on Saturday, March 23.

Thanks to a donation by the Midcounties Cooperative store in Bourton-on-the-Water, there is a £1,000 prize fund up for grabs.

From March 23, to April 28, people are being encouraged to carry out litter picks in their communities, take before and after photos, and tell the council how they would use the prize money to enhance their environment.

The winners will be awarded £500, with £300 awarded to the runner up and £200 awarded to third place.

To enter, email cdc@cotswold.gov.uk or call 01285 623123 and provide the location of your litter pick, together with the name of a community representative who is willing to liaise with the council.

When the competition finishes, a panel of council judges will draw up a shortlist and visit the finalists to assess the work done.

Cllr Sue Coakley, CDC cabinet member for environment said: “Many of our residents are passionate about ensuring their communities are free of litter and last year’s competition showed that entrants clearly also enjoy the social side of these events.

"We are very grateful to the Midcounties Coop for sponsoring the competition and we look forward to working with them.”

Matt Windridge, head of supermarket operations at Midcounties Cooperative, added: “We are pleased to lend our support to this wonderful campaign which helps to educate the public about the many benefits of maintaining a clean and tidy environment.

"We are all lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and it is great to know that a lot of people from all age groups will be coming together to remove unsightly litter and other waste.”

The council can supply bags, pickers, gloves and high visibility jackets for clean-up work.

Call 01285 623123 if you require assistance with equipment or collection of filled bags.