Exeter businesses are teaming up to rid the city of weeds.
Volunteers from McDonald's, and Princesshay and the Guildhall Shopping Centre will be out in force on Monday to make sure that the city is looking its best before the arrival of the Britain in Bloom judges next week.
The idea came from Louise Harvey, Exeter's street scene manager who said: "I got to thinking during the recent commemoration of D-Day that we could do a bit more for ourselves."
The plea for help was taken up with enthusiasm by David Shawyer, franchisee of McDonald's in the High Street.
Mr Shawyer said: "This is absolutely what we should be doing. I am keen to support the community and believe it is what businesses should be doing."
Helping to rally the 'troops' has been John Harvey, Exeter's city centre manager, who said: "It shows the businesses taking responsibility – we all need to share some of the burden here as we can't just rely on the local authorities alone. The businesses have a part to play."
The teams will be out and about in St David's and St Thomas and hopefully either St James' or Pennsylvania.
Joining them will be the Lord mayor of Exeter, Cllr Percy Prowse who, as chairman of the Tidy Exeter Group, has been keen to get the city's weeds pulled out for some time.
The city council is supporting the weed pull by providing bags for the weeds and is also to collect and dispose of them.
Encouraging businesses to get involved is Derek Phillips Vice President of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, who said: "The Chamber would encourage all businesses to support Exeter's Britain in Bloom campaign.
"One of the best ways to do this would be to register for the 'giant weed pull day', which will not only enhance the city but will be great fun too."
Judging will take place in Exeter on July 8.
It will be the first time in more than 10 years that Exeter has taken part in the competition.
Back in April, the chairman of RHS Britain in Bloom South West, Jon Wheatley, said he was delighted to welcome Exeter back to the competition.
