Being active and spending time outdoors has proven benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing - and a new scheme set to launch in the Staffordshire Moorlands has the added bonus of helping to keep local neighbourhoods clean at the same time.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and its waste and street cleaning partner Alliance Environmental Services are linking up with leisure centres on the Pick-Fit scheme which offers residents the chance to get active whilst taking care of their local environment.

Whilst the dedicated street cleaning team work hard to keep on top of it, rubbish and litter continues to be an issue and it's a problem which is on the rise.

Across England £700 million is spent annually on street cleaning services - money which could be invested in other services if people disposed of their waste responsibly.

Councillor Mark Deaville, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Leisure and Sports, said: "Sadly across the Moorlands we're seeing an increase in the volume of litter being left for someone else to deal with. On the plus side we also have lots of public-spirited residents and community groups who do have pride in their neighbourhoods and want to keep them clean and tidy.

"We've all come to realise the very real benefits to our health and wellbeing of being more active and being outdoors. Our new Pick-Fit scheme offers the best of both worlds combining physical activity with the sense of achievement that comes from looking after your local environment.

"And, as a thank you to those taking part, we're offering a free week pass to use at our local leisure centres where you can keep your activity levels up at the gym or in the pool and see if you'd be interested in signing up for a longer period."

To find out more about the scheme, and sign-up, visit the district council's website.

Councillor Sav Scalise, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Litter causes damage to the environment and wildlife and can make areas appear neglected and uncared for.

"It's something that is easily avoided and I urge people to consider the impact dropping litter has and to dispose of their waste in public litter bins or take it home with them.

"Where it continues to be a problem we hope our Pick-Fit scheme will be a fitting thank you to those people that do have pride in where they live and take positive action to help keep the Moorlands clean."