YOUNG people across the North-East are being encouraged to help improve their neighbourhood.

The Northumbrian Water Square Mile project encourages teenagers to get together to work on environmental, crime prevention and social awareness projects to benefit their neighbourhood.

The scheme is coordinated by the Durham Agency Against Crime and runs from September to July.

The top team will be rewarded with a trip to South Africa.

Past projects have included anti-bullying plays for schoolchildren, helping the disabled, and setting up neighbourhood watch schemes.

The competition is backed by Transco, Tyne Tees Television, Osborne Kay, Northumbria Coalition Against Crime and the Northumbria and Durham police forces.