PUPILS from an east Durham school have played their part in a community cleanup by carrying out a litter pick.

Children from Wheatley Hill Primary School cleared up rubbish from around the village as part of Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT) eight-week programme of work in the area.

The youngsters are volunteers with Durham Constabulary’s Mini Police scheme.

Teacher Kelly Dobson said: “Through getting involved in the Mini Police, the children identified litter in the village as something they would like to tackle.

“They want to encourage and motivate others to be aware of the consequences of their actions on the environment.”

Joanne Waller, the council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “The success of the CAT scheme relies on communities working together so it’s great to see schoolchildren getting involved.

“The residents of Wheatley Hill listed clearing rubbish as one of their priorities and the litter pick has gone a long way to making the village tidier.”

The CAT programme, which sees council staff working with environment charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria, runs until Friday, 28 July.

The team is tackling various issues of local concern such as waste, underage alcohol and tobacco sales, empty houses and those in disrepair, as well as providing advice on ways people can improve their health and wellbeing.

Residents are also being reminded to ‘bin it right’, with the team handing out leaflets and speaking to members of the public, and supplying recycling containers.

  • To find out more about the CAT team and its work, call 03000 261 016, email communityactionteam@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/CAT