YOUNG people who took a look at the streets around their homes and did not like what they saw could find themselves ambassadors for their estate.

A group of ten to 17-year-olds from Woodhouse Close, in Bishop Auckland, used photographs, art, poetry and film to condemn the graffiti, rubbish and vandalism they say is spoiling their lives.

After a display of their work, called Postcards from Woodhouse, ends this week, the group wants to show it to councillors and other people with the power to make a difference.

It fills a room in the estate's church hall, where a video spells out a powerful message.

Emma Farmer wrote: "I am ashamed of living on this estate, it's dirty with rubbish all around. The row of shops is an area for hang-outs, drug-takers, leaving their tools behind.

"Nothing ever gets done about it. It makes me feel unsafe living here. If I were the council, I would clean the place up more and tell the Government 'We need greater powers to stop this from happening'."

Artist and dramatist Jane Crawford has worked with the group since for two months. Visual artist joined her for the video project.

Jane asked the group's members to take photographs and choose one which best illustrated their views for a book which accompanies the display.

She said: "Some of them have quite strong views. They don't like looking at boarded-up houses and vandalised playgrounds.

"They have opened people's eyes to the fact that the young people have thought deeply about their environment and they care and want to do something about it."

Councillor Richard Langham, who was at the exhibition's opening on Sunday night, said: "It is brilliant. I would recommend it to other councillors."

Postcards from Woodhouse is open until Friday, from 10am to 4pm.