A TEAM of colleagues armed themselves with litter pickers and cleaning gear to brush up after Bicester's Big Lunch.

The town's high street was made spick and span by volunteers as part of the Co-operative "Big Co-op Clean Up" together with employees from The Midcounties Co-operative.

Bicester's Big Lunch took place in June in the town centre and saw thousands of people flood into the high street to picnic with pals.

The Midcounties Co-operative Bicester leadership team ambassador David Green said: "Looking after the environment is one of the key pillars of any co-operative, so it’s fitting that Societies around the country are working together for The Big Co-op Clean.

"Our partnership with this initiative supports the work we do to make a real difference to people in Bicester through our Regional Communities strategy, and we are committed to continuing to work with local residents and groups to make a difference."

The national scheme hopes to bring communities together whilst tackling fly-tipping hotspots, restoring run down local areas and community litter picks.

Co-operatives UK secretary general Ed Mayo said: "It is great that The Midcounties Co-operative, like so many other co-ops, is backing this year’s campaign.

"It’s a small way of demonstrating that co-ops are different to other types of business. Because they are owned by their members – colleagues, customers or suppliers – and not distant shareholders, local issues and concerns are more of a priority.”