YOUNGSTERS in South Bank are leading the way in a campaign to clean up the streets.

Calvin Foley, community safety warden with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, went back to his old school, Cromwell Road Primary, to recruit the children.

Mr Foley and his colleague, Tony Tevlin, who both operate in the South Bank area, joined forces with the Tidy Britain Group's Little Bertha roadshow, visited the school yesterday as part of a government campaign aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues.

The children were asked to design a logo and slogan for litter bins, which are already sponsored by the area's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB), the Guinness Trust, Asda stores and fast-food chain McDonald's.

Then the seven and eight-year-olds were asked to monitor cleanliness standards throughout South Bank, helped by the wardens, and award a prize to the tidiest street.

Headteacher Brenda Urwin said: "It's continuing the theme of previous projects we've been involved in, all geared to encouraging children to grow into adults who don't make a mess."

The ideas are geared to build on the success of an SRB scheme in South Bank, which rewarded streets in a recycling league.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety, said: "We think this is a great idea and will help to educate young people about the perils litter can bring. And I would hope they'd pass this information on to their mums and dads, who will be our next target audience.

"Everyone moans about an area's cleanliness. Now we've got a smashing scheme where the public can do something to improve things, and get recognition for it."