PUPILS from four Darlington schools got their hands dirty during a litter-picking event.

More than 100 children from Mount Pleasant and Alderman Leach primary schools, and Whinfield and Abbey junior schools, took part in the clean-up of their school grounds, organised by Darlington Borough Council.

Council staff and volunteers from McDonald's also helped, and all the youngsters taking part got free meal vouchers. McDonald's has invited pupils to enter a competition to design a litter poster to be displayed in its Northgate restaurant.

A council spokeswoman said: "All the children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the event.

"Their attitude was extremely positive and raised their awareness of the environment."