Soldiers from Tidworth-based 6 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (6 CS Bn REME) supervised a Tidy Up Day in the village of Shipton Bellinger, near Salisbury Plain, on Wednesday 27 August 2008.

The event involved helping residents with litter picking, rubbish clearance, weeding of paths and graffiti removal around the village. The battalion, which is based in nearby Tidworth, is the neighbourhood sponsor for Shipton Bellinger. It is an Army initiative aimed at fostering community spirit between military families, their civilian counterparts and outside agencies such as the police, parish and local borough councils.

Members of the Local Community and Soliders from 6 Close Support Battalion REME tidy up Shipton Bellinger

A large amount of rubbish and dumped waste like old fridges was gathered up from hedgerows and woodland around the village. Also a large amount of graffiti was painted over in the tennis courts and also children's play area. It was a great effort by all those taking part.

Captain Rob Seabrook, the Unit Welfare Officer, 6 Close Support Battalion REME says:

"The purpose is to increase the quality of life for our community, not least when our men and women are away on operations, but also to distil pride in our areas and afford due respect for everyone who lives on the estate."

The clean-up was also backed by Hampshire Police, Test Valley Borough Council and MODern Housing Solutions. MHS - which undertakes the maintenance of Service Families Accommodation - provided fence preservative, paint brushes, paint kettles, stiff brushes, disposable gloves and goggles.