A BIG spring clean is set to help West Bank blossom in this year's Britain in Bloom competition.

Toddlers teamed up with rugby players and residents to give the promenade and streets a clean sweep.

Free skips were available for people to get rid of bulky items.

"Lads from the West Bank Swan rugby team helped the elderly and those who were disabled to remove unwanted items," said Karen Turner, chairman of West Bank Community Forum.

"Skips were being filled at an unbeatable rate.

"Sure Start New Steps toddlers did their bit, supervised by parents and litter picked with older children."

Free food and drink was provided for helpers, thanks to Halton Council.

Two mobile collection services helped dispose of larger items.

CRS Skips and Veolia Environmental Services generously provided the skips.

Halton Council's cleansing department started the clean up the day before, sweeping streets, cleaning back alleys and removing graffiti.

The idea came from a public meeting last November to help promote the waterfront, attract more visitors and raise the area's profile.