RESIDENTS took part in a clean-up of their local beck yesterday.

People living near Cowbridge Beck, in Billingham, were invited to take part in the event, which was part of an improvement scheme in the area. As well as helping to plant more than 200 trees, they were also given the chance to build a birdbox and take part in a balloon race. Event co-ordinator Ken Shannon said: "The day was a chance for people to learn skills, have some fun and help make an improvement to the area."