CHILDREN helped to tidy up their community as they got to grips with a local "grot spot".

Children from Dodmire infant and junior schools and St John's Primary School, along with parents and teachers, made a clean sweep of the Lascelles Park area.

The clean-up was part of the borough council's 100-day Grot Spot initiative.

Before taking part, the children were briefed about the health and safety issues surrounding litter-picking and small groups took photographs to be incorporated into classroom sessions.

Now into its third week, the clean-up will continue until September.

Stephen Harker, council cabinet member for environmental services, said: "Our campaign has got off to a fantastic start with well-known "grot spots" being cleared.

"People are coming forward to let us know about areas near them that need tackling and we are responding quickly and efficiently."

The hotline number for people to report areas that need clearing is (01325) 388777.