A GROUP of dedicated volunteers who are helping to keep Kidderminster tidy are setting their sights on cleaning up Stourbridge.

The Pick Up Artists are made up of 40 active volunteers who go out regularly – individually or in groups – ridding Kidderminster and the wider Wyre Forest of litter, from discarded crisp bags to dumped shopping trolleys.

And now the people of Stourbridge look like following their example to help keep the area spick and span.

The Pick Up Artists Stourbridge group has been launched and is seeking volunteers willing to don wellies and gloves to help keep their community tidy.

It’s not just about picking up litter though, the group also do lots of educational work, from nursery children through top Duke of Edinburgh awards for teenagers.

Started by Michelle Medler on the back of a 2018 New Year’s resolution, the Artists now have around 1,300 followers and a scores of regular litter pickers out every week keeping their community clean.

“I am a dog walker and I got fed up seeing the rubbish so I decided to do something about it and vowed to pick up litter every day when I was out.” Said Michelle.

She posted about it on social media, and support came flooding in, including a visit by Wyre Forest District Council who wanted to support the idea.

Now with hi vis jackets and proper equipment the group are regularly making the environment of the town better, from canalside to shopping centre.

The latest venture was at the Co-op store, with the fledgling Stourbridge branch members joining in to learn the arts of a well-organised pick.

Just how successful they are is shown by their October haul of 220 bags of rubbish.

And to criticisms that they are putting people out of a job, Michelle says what they are actually doing is freeing up skilled workers who can concentrate on keeping the area’s green spaces and parks at their best.

With a Stourbridge group now launched and local businesses interested in sponsoring them, another town looks set to get a bit of a make-over.

Dudley Council have been approached to see if they will support the group ther way Wyre Forest Council has embraced the idea.

While the latest lockdown will put a stop to group picks, individuals can still go out with a friend or in a family group.

If you want to join, or for more information, go to The Pick Up Artists Stourbridge Facebook page or https://www.thepickupartists.co.uk/