A GROUP of Hartlepool youngsters have beat summer holiday boredom whilst helping to tidy up the town as part of their work for a community action project.

Eight young people aged 12 to 16 involved with Hartlepool Borough Council’s Youth Support Service - Beat the Boredom Summer Programme recently took part in a Seaton Beach litter pick, after researching the damaging effects of plastic pollution on sea life.

The youngsters chose this theme to reflect the importance of the beach and sea to their coastal communities, creating displays and art work to highlight the problem of pollution and developing solutions to combat it.

Councillor Alan Clark, chair of Hartlepool council’s children’s services committee, said: “The children who took part in the litter pick have made a big impact by helping to keep our town’s beaches clean and tidy, and they should be extremely proud of themselves. They worked together to complete a beach litter pick, which was a great success and a tremendous team effort. These young people are setting a good example to us all, reminding us that we all have a part to play in managing our plastic waste responsibly.

The annual Beat the Boredom Summer Programme gives children the chance to take part in photography, sport, art, music and community projects in Rossmere and Throston, Hartlepool.