A SCHEME aimed at improving a community's quality of life has catapulted a town into the national spotlight.

Hartlepool is carrying out systematic five-day clean-up operations of areas of the town, with council staff working closely with Cleveland Police, the fire brigade and other agencies and organisations.

Together, they are tackling issues including crime, health and safety, education and the environment. The idea of elected Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond, the scheme's success has led to invitations to the council to attend two high-profile conferences.

Council chief executive Paul Walker will be attending an innovation forum meeting in London, with representatives of the top performing local authorities, and seven secretaries of state.

Karen Oliver, one of Hartlepool's towncare managers, is travelling with police chiefs to a seminar in Birmingham to look at how the partnership approach is helping to improve communities.

Mayor Drummond said: "I am very proud of the impact that Operation Clean Sweep has had on Hartlepool. The idea has already gained a lot of recognition, but I'm delighted to see that more and more people seem to be sitting up and taking notice.

"Earlier this year, we hosted senior Home Office civil servant Leigh Lewis, who seemed very impressed, and the attendance of our two officers at these forthcoming events will provide us with further opportunities to highlight our achievements.''

So far, ten Operation Clean Sweeps have been organised and a blitz on the 800-home Clavering estate this week will be one of the biggest yet.