A PIONEERING youth group formed to clean up the streets of a former colliery community has received formal recognition for its efforts.

The Easington Colliery Crimebusters was formed in the town in 2005. Having pinpointed various problems, including graffiti, petty crime and a lack of facilities for young people, it devised a series of measures to improve the situation.

Its projects have included organising a mobile skate park and a community bus, holding football matches and training sessions, and litter picks with council street wardens.

Its efforts earned the group a nomination for the National Crimebeat Awards for young people, last summer. High Sheriffs across England and Wales suggest worthy local youth projects for the accolade.

It took second place in the awards and certificates of merit were presented to members by County Durham's High Sheriff, Ian Dewhirst, last night. During the ceremony the 24-member group presented £100 it raised from activities in the past year to Cancer Research UK.

Anne Ward, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the Easington area, said: "Sometimes it seems all we hear about young people these days is negative, but the work of the Crimebusters shows they can be responsible citizens who take pride in their community. They have helped build bridges with older residents and developed a number of initiatives to improve their area."