SCHOOL pupils and their local MP helped with a village spring litter pick.

Waldridge Village was given a tidy-up by Waldridge Parish Council and Hermitage Academy’s Community Core Team, led by Lynn Oliver, took part.

The children’s play area was one of the places targeted by the team, which was made up of students from Year 9 and the Sixth Form.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones joined them and afterwards said: “I was very pleased to show my support for the students, who did an excellent job.

“It is great to see the students so engaged in keeping the local environment pleasant for all.

“I would also extend my congratulations to both the parish council and county councillors who have contributed to making the project a success.”

Durham County Councillor for Chester-le-Street South, Katherine Henig, said: “The parish council work really hard all year round to keep the area looking great.

“It was a pleasure to work with the students, councillors and residents on the litter-pick, and to see the difference we made to the village.

“I’m also glad that a team of four county councillors were able to help to fund equipment for Hermitage students to use for years to come.”

The funding for the equipment used by the students came from Durham County Council’s Members Initiative fund, allocated by councillors Keith Davidson, Simon Henig, Linda Marshall and Katherine Henig.