VOLUNTEERS who have given their time to clean up their estates have been rewarded.

Robert Blair, from Seaham, and Fred Patterson and Brenda McWilliam, both from Peterlee, were each presented with a £25 shopping voucher for their efforts to improve the environment.

The three have taken part in the Estate Walkabout programme, organised by East Durham Homes (EDH).

EDH estate officers inspect every estate in Easington district at least once a week, looking for problems such as litter, graffiti, anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and once a month are joined by a community volunteer.

Everyone who takes part in a walkabout is entered into a monthly draw to receive £25 worth of shopping vouchers.

Mr Patterson, representative for the Howletch estate, Ms McWilliam, who represents Edenhill, and Mr Blair, representative for Dawdon and the Harbour, are the winners of the three most recent draws and were presented with their vouchers by EDH vice-chairman Edna Connor.

Volunteers are needed to join the scheme in parts of South Hetton, Murton, Wheatley Hill, Wingate, Station Town, Easington, Blackhall, Shotton, Haswell, Dalton-le-Dale and Peterlee.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Stuart Wood, estate management co-ordinator, on 0191-527 0501 ext 4536.