YOUNGSTERS took time out from their Easter break to spring clean their village.

The children from Sunnybrow, near Crook, joined forces for a mass litter picking exercise which covered the village green and other open spaces in the community yesterday.

They were accompanied by volunteers from the Sunnybrow Residents' Action Group, Groundwork West Durham and Neighbourhood Watch.

The event was part of the Just Bin it Campaign, a nationwide event organised by the Tidy Britain Group.

Youngsters take part in the campaign in spring and autumn every year. This year's tidy-up follows a number of environmental improvements and events n the village, supported by the environmental campaign body ENCAMS.

A spokesman for Groundwork West Durham said: "It was a huge success for all involved.'