A NEW cleaning initiative will be in operation over the Torridge District over the next ten months in a mission to tidy up rural villages in the area.

A team of 'Grimebusters' will be taking to the area to clean up communities and encourage people who live in them to join in too.

A team spokesperson said: "Look out for the team in their GrimeBusting van – you can't miss the 'Basil Brush It' logo – visiting villages from Virginstow to Abbotsham, Bucks Mills to Broadwoodwidger, High Bullen to Ashwater and places in between tidying up our rural and hard to reach areas."

They'll be picking up litter, weeding footpaths, cleaning up graffiti and giving each place a general tidy up. They will also be on hand to help with any questions from members of the public on refuse and recycling issues.

Cllr Adam Symons, Torridge's lead member for Waste and Recycling, said: "Communities sometimes need a little helping hand to keep the place tidy. Maybe they need a bit of muscle and specialist equipment to sort out problem areas. It is our aim to support communities throughout Torridge by mobilising the Grimebusters team.

"My message to communities is to use the Grimebusters visit to mobilise local action.

"You would be amazed by how much can be achieved when lots of people in a community get involved with a village clean-up."