Seaham Town Council is holding a litter picking session today, in the town park, for 14-year-olds from Seaham School.

Officials hope that not only will the park look better, but the youngsters will learn to drop their drink cans and crisp packets in litter bins.

The event is being held with Seaham Rotary Club to promote the National Environment Week 2001 campaign, Bin It.

Mike Preston, the council's parks manager, said: "We are saying to youngsters that this is what happens when you drop litter. A lot of them don't understand."

Mr Preston said the council was planning to install extra bins in the park, and would ask pupils where they should be placed.

A similar litter pick in Parkside Neighbourhood Park was called off yesterday because of rain.