ALSAGER residents are being urged to help keep their town in tip top condition for this year's Civic Pride contest.

Alsager came runner-up last year in the section for towns with populations of between 10,000 and 20,000 people. It also won the category for most improved town, and was presented with a tree.

Preliminary judging for the 2001 competition runs from April 8 to July 18, and the top six in each category are judged again in August and September.

"Please help us to gain points by keeping everywhere clean, tidy and litter free," said town clerk Ann Hurlstone.

"The judges are looking for a place which looks as if the community takes pride and has an awareness of the local environment."