A TINY village has kick-started its efforts to enter the Northumbria in Bloom competition for the first time.

Residents of Bradbury, near Sedgefield, held a litter pick and clean-up on the outskirts of the village on Saturday.

Ten volunteers from Bradbury Parish Group took part in the clean-up around Bradbury Service Station, off the Al(M), and nearby woodland.

The project was also part of the Environment Agency's Action Earth scheme, which volunteers hope will help their efforts for the Northumbria in Bloom contest, which will include a planting display.

Volunteer Dave Sayers said: "The area was in need of some tidying up. We were loaned litter picking tools from Sedgefield Borough Council, which was a great help. We feel this first project was a great success and, with help, we intend to plan more for the future."