The city of Ocean Springs has started its 10th annual cleanup of Evergreen and Bellande cemeteries in preparation for the holidays.

Ten to 12 inmates from the Mississippi Department of Corrections and several Ocean Springs public works employees are cutting, pruning and raking at the city-owned graveyards. They also will remove limbs, leaves and trash.

Officials say the cleanup helps the cemeteries get ready for families who stop by the markers of loved ones during the holidays.

The two graveyards comprise 9.5 acres.

Evergreen and Bellande are heavily wooded, and officials say the cleanup typically involves underbrush and debris from trees.