CHILDREN on the Jubilee estate, Shildon, proved they were no strangers to hard work when they took part in a big clear-up operation yesterday.

Thirteen children and adult members of the estate's residents' association organised the day to tackle the mounting piles of rubbish left behind by fly tippers.

Armed with brushes, bin bags and gloves, it took them three hours to clear a path, which runs from Cedar Grove to the town centre.

Sedgefield Borough Council then needed two trucks to take away the pile, which included an old wheel barrow, empty beer cans, lumps of concrete and branches from people's trees.

The day was organised by Lauraine Smith, a member of the Jubilee Fields Residents' Association. "The path to the town has become a dumping ground," she said.

"It's very disheartening because it can be such a nice place if you put a bit of heart into it."

"This is a case of the community getting together and deciding to do something about it.

"Word of mouth seemed to get everyone here and they all willingly came along and got stuck in. The kids have been fantastic."

Husband Richard, chairman of the residents' association, said: "A lot of adults complain about the kids saying they cause a nuisance.

"But they've certainly shown them today. They've been brilliant.

"This is a start to getting the rest of the estate cleaned up."