CHILDREN have been getting their hands dirty sprucing up a recreation ground near their primary school.

Pupils from Whitecliffe Primary School, in Carlin How, near Saltburn, east Cleveland, joined forces with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's parks and countryside staff to help put the finishing touches to a picnic area in nearby Skinningrove.

The pupils planted 12 trees around the picnic tables and enjoyed a walk along a public footpath they identified for improvements, ensuring a safe route to school.

Councillor Bob Stanway, cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "This is another wonderful example of the children of the borough involving themselves in environmental improvements as well as enhancing their own education."