DAFFODILS are out and that means spring is here.

Hampshire residents took to the streets to show their love of the surroundings with a weekend spring clean and litter pick.

The Mansbridge Clean Sweep started at the Round About café on Saturday morning with organisers from Radian housing getting kids involved with a junk modelling nature train and a treasure trail - complete with treats.

Beaulieu Young Farmers’ Club spruced up Roundhills Campsite, Tory MP Royston Smith was out on Freemantle Common, Deep Dene and Hum Hole and Thornhill Park collecting bin bags full of rubbish while Green Hampshire volunteers spruced up Chessel Bay nature reserve.

Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, joined The Friends of Stokes Bay, the team from Gomer Juniors, a group of our local Conservative Councillors and others to tidy up Stokes Bay, Gosport.

Ms Dineage said: "The Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic event that really encourages residents to make a positive difference to their local communities.

"Litter is an unsightly addition to our neighbourhoods and picking it up costs taxpayers millions of pounds every year, that's why I am glad to lend my support to such an important initiative. I am thrilled to see Gosport residents taking a pro-active approach."

Several community pick-ups also took place in the New Forest. Volunteers cleaned up at Wilverley Plain Car Park, near Burley and Roundhill Campsite near Brockenhurst, Ocknell campsite, Fritham and Holmsley, near New Milton.

To carry on the good work Green Hampshire will be out and about on Saturday March 11 litter picking around Shirley Warren.

Budding environmentalists are asked to meet at the Ice House on Warren Avenue at 10am and are asked to bring gloves - although some pairs will be available to borrow.