CHILDREN across Ferryhill and Chilton hope to make the streets and fields near their homes and schools nicer places to play.

Pupils at all the local primary schools want to rid their neighbourhoods of dog poo so have joined a campaign launched by not-for-profit company Approach Too.

Glenys Newby, who runs Approach Too, hopes young people will encourage friends, families and neighbours to clean up after their dog to create a safe, clean environment.

She added: “It’s also to show children and young people that they can have a powerful voice and they can make a real positive difference in the areas they live.

“It’s about creating a sense of civic pride, raising their aspirations and encouraging them to get involved.”

To spread the message, Approach Too is running a poster competition from which the winning design will be made into stickers for council litter bins, and making videos with children.

It has also teamed up with The Dogs Trust to hold assemblies about responsible dog ownership at Ferryhill Station, Dean Bank, Broom Cottages, Cleves Cross and Chilton Primary Schools.

The charity’s education officer Alison Grey, and her rescue dog Molly, told youngsters about the dangers of not cleaning up after a dog and how to pick up safely.

Edward Jackson, headteacher at Ferryhill Station Primary School, hopes residents will not only help keep paths free of dog waste but also the school grounds.

He said: “We want children to understand right and wrong and care about where they live.

“We want people to understand the major inconvenience that dog mess causes.

“Even though people shouldn’t access our field, dog walkers clearly are doing so and not picking up, staff have to do check it every day.

“I want children to be able to use the field in safety and we shouldn’t have to worry about cleaning up after other people’s dogs.”

Durham County Council’s civic pride team will organise patrols by neighbourhood wardens who can fine offenders, improve signage encouraging residents to report dog fouling and work with pupils to issue golden tickets, with a chance to win £25, to responsible owners.

Councillors Pauline Crathorne and John Lindsay sponsored the campaign and Cllr Crathorne has made a donation towards prizes, through the member’s initiative fund.

A dog microchipping session will be held at Ferryhill Leisure Centre on Monday, October 12, 11am to 3pm.