Bid to make London cleanest city

Londoners are being urged to clear away litter

London is bidding to become the tidiest city in the world in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

A 100-day clean-up will take place each spring between now and 2012, when London will host the Olympic Games.

The clean-up events will take place across the city, with teams of volunteers clearing away rubbish and getting rid of graffiti.

The scheme is backed by local authorities and organisations including the Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

It was launched on Monday by heptathlete Jessica Ennis, a medal hopeful at this year's Games in Beijing, and Olympic gold winner Sally Gunnell.

'Free from litter'

They joined volunteers cleaning up the foreshore on the banks of the River Thames.

Sally Gunnell said: "The eyes of the world will be on us during the Olympic Games and it's up to each of us to get the city looking the best it can.

"We want people to sign up to community clean-up events taking place in their area in preparation for 2012.

"But this isn't just about getting the city clean for visitors - we want all residents to live in surroundings which are free from litter."