RETAILERS are stepping up their campaign to keep their town tidy by enlisting the help of the Wombles.

It is hoped that Wimbledon Common's environmentalists will help in Bishop Auckland's bid to keep rubbish from its streets.

Jean Wombwell, who is a member of the Town Forum and runs Trimmers hairdressing and barber shop in the town, has turned to Uncle Bulgaria to support the town's Bin It campaign, which was launched earlier this year.

She said: "As a small business I want to do something that will help tidy up the town.

"We need to make Bishop Auckland attractive to visitors and we cannot do that if there is litter strewn everywhere.''

The Womble will parade the streets of Bishop Auckland to promote street cleaning from Wednesday, December 3, until Saturday, December 6.

As well as being a key figure in the Town Centre Forum Christmas procession, Uncle Bulgaria will be outside Trimmers on Saturday, December 6, to give out free Bin It T-shirts.

Mrs Wombwell has also contacted environmental campaign group ENCAMS in a bid to get their support, along with chewing gum manufacturer Wrigleys.

She said: "Wrigleys sent me the details for ENCAMS and I have contacted them at their north-eastern region office.

"They do not work in this area because Wear Valley District Council is not a member and cannot access some of the support that is offered. It costs £4,500 to join.

"ENCAMS would support a programme of people going into schools to educate young people.''

A spokesman for Wear Valley District Council said that the council had made a bid for funding to join ENCAMS but would not find out until early next year whether the bid had been successful.

He said: "The Bin It Campaign has been very successful so far. We had a gum removal machine work through the night for two weeks just recently but this is only something we can only do once a year.

"We will be planning to do it again after the school holidays next year.''