DON'T rubbish our neighbourhood ! That is the message from a community which is to pilot a three-year Government-sponsored clean-up campaign.

Children attending Ayresome Junior and Infant Schools helped to launch a Going for Green scheme in the Gresham ward of Middlesbrough, with a litter-pick and recycling activities, yesterday.

The project will concentrate on litter, dog fouling, recycling and energy conservation.

Carole Davis, secretary of Gresham Community Council, said: "This will make a real difference to our area - and to everyone who contributes their ideas, skills, time and energy."

Residents may yet say it with flowers. A proposal to put out hanging flower baskets along Parliament Road, the main route running through the ward, is being considered.