Schoolchildren from County Durham have been designing posters to encourage people to take pride in their communities.

Schools have been taking part in Durham County Council’s Operation Spruce Up community clean up programme, with pupils taking part in litter picks and planting, as well as the poster competition.

Framwellgate Moor Primary School pupils Heidi Collier, in year four, and Meave Walsh , in year five, winners will now see their posters put up around their neighbourhood.

Headteacher Bethan Smith said: “All our children really enjoyed being part of Operation Spruce Up and are very keen to keep Framwellgate Moor looking clean and tidy.

“They especially enjoyed designing posters and Heidi and Meave are thrilled that theirs will be going up in the area.”

Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “It’s really important that children are involved in Operation Spruce Up as we want to encourage the adults of tomorrow to take pride in where they live.

“The standard of posters designed by the children at Framwellgate Moor was brilliant and I’d like to congratulate Heidi and Meave on their winning entries.”