An army of community groups and schoolchildren are gearing up to take part in this year’s OxClean spring clean event.

So far 93 groups have registered to take part in two days of intense litter-picking next Friday and Saturday in an effort to rid Oxford’s streets of rubbish.

The figure leaves them just one shy of the 94 groups that assembled to purge the streets of litter in last year’s inaugural event.

However, organisers are still hopeful they could reach the magic 100 figure before the deadline date for groups to register expires on Monday.

Ros Weatherall, Oxford Civic Society’s environment group convener, said: “I’m amazed by the number of groups that have signed up so far.

“It’s wonderful to find out people are so keen to keep the city clean.

“It’s so positive to go out there and do something about litter rather than moaning about it.

“It would be nice if we could get to 100 though, so if any groups are interested in taking part please do come forward and register.”

Ruth Finar, who will be part of the Low Carbon West Oxford litter pick, said: “We are delighted to take part in this event.

“When it comes to our streets and green spaces we are prepared to put the effort in to make it look tidy.

“The litter here can be terrible at times. I was brought up in the days when Keep Britain Tidy was very much in people’s minds and it wouldn’t have occurred to throw things on the street.

“We have found in the past that Ferry Hinksey Road is a very rich source of rubbish. It is usually revolting down there.”

Last year, about 20 people took part in the Low Carbon West Oxford litter pick with volunteers coming back with two bags of rubbish each.

This year the group is co-ordinating with West Oxford Primary school, whose pupils will also be doing a litter-pick. Headteacher Julie St Clair Hoare said: “The children and the staff all think this is a great way of showing we care about the environment and our local community in a very practical way.”

All groups will be issued with litter pickers and plastic bags for refuse and recycling.

However, people are advised to bring their own gloves to safely tackle litter.

Anyone wishing to register a group to take part in this year’s event or join an existing group should visit oxclean.org