AN army of youngsters is being recruited to take part in a massive clean-up of Chippenham town centre.

Keep Chippenham Tidy, the first event of its kind, will take place on August 7, and young volunteers are being sought to grab a bag and do their bit.

The event up is being run as a partnership between the town council and fast food retailer McDonald's and it aims to educate children about the value of protecting their environment.

Ray Lane, head of service delivery at Chippenham Town Council, said: "We're hoping that with McDonald's help, we can encourage children to think twice when dropping litter and in the process, make the town a much cleaner and tidier place."

Lynn Clements, area supervisor for McDonald's, said the burger chain is organising clean-ups up and down the country and is hoping that Chippenham's youngsters will take up the challenge.

"We are already contacting schools, playgroups and also councillors in the area, to invite them to take part," said Ms Clements.

"The teams from our restaurants will be taking part and each child will receive a special McDonalds pack containing a rubbish collecting bag plus some goodies."

Children aged seven and above who are interested in taking part are asked to contact Ms Clements on 07739 232130 by July 25.