THE number of volunteers taking part in Blackburn with Darwen Council 'Your Call' clean up events in May showed a drop over 12 months ago.

Borough Environment boss Jim Smith tells colleagues in a report to Council Forum on Thursday that there were 15 events during the month with 144 people taking part.

He reveals that is drop from May 2017 when 292 volunteers took part in 15 events.

But Cllr Smith's report also reveals: "We have also seen a huge increase in the number of community litter pickers over the last few months, with over 400 now registered with the council.

"Free litter cleaning packs are being distributed to residents. Keep Darwen Tidy, a new group on Facebook, has done great work to mobilise and motivate local people to action."

He added: " Keep Blackburn Tidy, is also developing with support from local councillors, tackling the litter and flytipping issues around the town."