A CAMPAIGN to clean Darlington's most dirty and littered areas has got off to an impressive start.

Since the borough council's "100-day grot spot" initiative was launched last Wednesday, three-and-a-half tonnes of rubbish have been cleared from streets, parks, back lanes and rural areas.

The hotline for people to report areas that need the attention of the council's clean-up teams has received more than 80 calls.

Most of the calls have been about litter, rather than large areas that needed clearing of fly-tipping.

Staff have have cleared 50 places of litter and removed larger objects or fly-tipping waste from 19 sites.

The campaign will run for 100 days and people are being encouraged to report any areas that they feel need the council's attention.

Stephen Harker, the council's cabinet member for environmental services, said: "The campaign has got off to a really good start.

"I hope people continue to tell us what areas of the town need the attention of the clean-up crews and, after 100 days, the campaign will have made a real difference to the borough."

The hotline number to report areas that need clearing is (01325) 388777.