A community event which aims to tidy up Farnham has been arranged for 22 to 30 March, which coincides with the first week of spring.

Schools, residents’ associations, community groups, scout troops, guide companies and individual residents are invited to take part in Big Pick Week and to litter pick an area that is looking a little untidy.

Big Pick week is organised by the Farnham in Bloom community group and is an opportunity for groups and individuals to show their pride for where they live. Farnham Town Council has a supply of litter picking equipment and gloves which it will lend to anybody who wants to take part in the event. The litter pickers are particularly helpful for reaching under hedgerows and getting to litter that is in areas that are difficult to access.

Councillor Jeremy Ricketts, Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom says: “Big Pick week is the first community-wide event in the Farnham in Bloom calendar. Litter picks can be arranged to take part at any time during the week.

“The winter wind and rain has left a fair amount of debris in its wake so as we enter spring, it will be really good to have a big spring clean of our town and villages. If you plan to take part, please send us photos showing your event and the amount of rubbish you manage to collect.”

Anybody wishing to take part should contact Kevin Taitt at Farnham Town Council so that arrangements can be made to pick up the sacks of collected rubbish.

Farnham is entering the Large Town and Town Centre categories in this year’s South and South East in Bloom. The town has also been selected from more than 1,000 entrants and will also be representing the south east in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2014.