A NEIGHBOURHOOD watch scheme set up to tackle crime is getting to grips with its first real task: Grime.

The group deals with three adjacent streets in Darwen - London Terrace, Newton Street and Perry Street - and came into being in May after a police appeal in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for volunteers.

Officers had become increasingly concerned about a rise of vandalism, burglaries and drug-dealing in the area.

Backed by both police and Blackburn with Darwen Council, the group is to embark on its first real project since its inception.

On Saturday, volunteers will roll up their sleeves and tackle the growing problem of litter and people dumping rubbish in the area.

Both the back and front of all three streets will be blitzed as hardy residents get stuck in.

One of the three co-ordinators, Michelle Atkin, who has lived in Newton Street for more than seven years, said: "This is a way of getting the community together and restoring some pride into the area at the same time.

"There has been a problem with people tipping in the area and hopefully they will stop and think in the future."

Blackburn with Darwen Council will place skips in the area, and have supplied gloves and equipment to help with the litter pick.

Sainsbury's in Darwen is also helping out, providing tea and coffee for a welcome break.

Michelle said the neighbourhood watch group was still in its infancy and the clean-up would also give the chance for residents to air their view about which direction it should take.

Currently, only the three co-ordinators meet every two weeks.

Michelle said: "This is the first project and we need to know what people want.

"Hopefully the clean-up won't be a regular thing because people should keep it tidy."