SCHOOLCHILDREN have been giving a helping hand are part of a community clear up scheme.

Pupils from Greenland Primary School at South Moor joined in with a litter pick as part of Durham County Council’s Operation Spruce Up which has just begun its work in the village.

Centred on Front Street, footpaths are being swept and cleared, bins and fencing painted and cleaned and weeds are being removed from paths and green spaces.

Channels are being cleared, chewing gum removed from footpaths and bollards and lamp posts painted. Teams are also clearing gullies, pruning trees and renewing street markings.

The programme will see assemblies taking place at the school to educate children on the importance of keeping their community tidy.

Pupils there are also designing posters to go up around South Moor to get the same message to its older residents.

Headteacher Mark Stewart said: “It’s great that the children can be involved in such an important initiative. It is fantastic and really encourages them to take pride in their community.”