RESIDENTS are working together to improve the look of their streets.

The Brougham Area Residents' Association (Bara) in Hartlepool took over the responsibility for the flowerbeds in Perth Street last year.

They have since won The Northern Echo's community environment competition, Making A Difference, and have inspired residents in Gray Street and Hurworth Street to look after their flowerbeds too.

Residents of the two streets have been awarded £530 from Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool campaign so that they can revamp flowerbeds, giving the streets a bright new look.

The scheme, known as Adopt a Plot, means that in the future residents will be responsible for the upkeep of the flowerbeds rather than the council.

Muriel Boreland, of Perth Street, who chairs Bara, said: "The residents of Perth Street were involved in a similar scheme last year and people living in Gray Street and Hurworth Street were keen to follow their example."

Eddie Price, the council's resident participation officer, who has been working closely with the residents' association, said: "This is a great example of a community coming together to take ownership and pride in the environment around their homes."