NINE volunteers collected 25 bags of rubbish during a community litter pick at the weekend.

Members of the West Rainton Green Group were kitted out with high-visibility vests, sticks and black bags.

They spent two hours tidying up the embankment near the railway at Leamside.

The group was given a grant of £50 by the Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Action Earth programme, while Durham County Council supplied a vehicle to take the bags and bulkier items to the public tip.

Project co-ordinator Richard Hockin said: "We are very pleased with how it has all gone.

"It is very satisfying work, as you can see the immediate benefit for the environment.

"The landscape looks far better than it did before and it is good for community spirit, as people chat to others and reminisce with each other."

The green group is made up of residents who run projects to enhance the appearance of the village and increase awareness of environmental issues through an educational programme for young people.

The event was part of a five-month campaign called CSV Action Earth, supported by Morrisons.

It involves more than 900 voluntary organisations, businesses and community groups undertaking environmental projects.

Anyone who would like to register their own project or take part in the campaign can call the CSV Action Earth Hotline on 0121-328-7455.