Clean for the Queen this weekend and rid the district of rubbish in the run-up to the sovereign’s 90th birthday.

St Albans council is supporting the nationwide event to rid the UK of tons of carelessly-discarded rubbish which runs today and tomorrow.

The clean-up relies on volunteers with community groups, schools, businesses and individuals all welcome to take part.

The event is inspired by the first national anti-litter campaign that marked the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

When the Queen came to the throne, litter was a problem – but it has got worse since then.

The number of plastic bottles, soft-drink cans, takeaway meals, cigarette butts and packaging thrown away in public places has grown, harming wildlife and spoiling the look of the streets and countryside.

A website has been set up, which enables people to find out about events near their home.

The council’s portfolio holder for environment, Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles, said: “We encourage as many groups, individuals and organisations as possible to join in this marvellous event.

“This is a wonderful place to live and now is our chance to make it even better by fighting back against litter louts and fly tippers.”