A WEEK-LONG environmental blitz to clean up the streets has been taking place in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, this week.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council organised the project, along with a number of other agencies, to try to improve the streets in the area.

The Environment Challenges Opportunity (Eco) has been targeting the streets within the boundary framed by Normanby Road and Ainstable Road.

Graffiti has been removed from around the Allendale Shopping Centre by the National Probation Service and youngsters from the Youth Inclusion Project have been making a mural for the centre.

Cabinet member for environment Councillor Sylvia Szintai said: "I really hope that this Operation Eco builds on the success of previous ones, where the work these different groups have done has made a massive difference to the community. These initiatives are always welcomed with great encouragement, and I look forward to seeing what's achieved in this latest one."

Leader of the council Councillor George Dunning said: "It is really good that these different agencies come together and pick an area to make over and give a deep clean to, giving people back a real sense of pride in where they live."