STAFF from a housing provider joined forces with members of a community to clean up an east Durham estate.

Workers from East Durham Homes, members of Thornley Residents Group, Year 6 pupils from Thornley Primary School and Durham County Council street wardens donned gloves and used litterpickers to clean up their estate.

The event, which linked in with the LitterFree Durham Big Spring Clean campaign, is one of a series of Make a Difference (Mad) Days that the housing provider host across the year.

East Durham Homes’ repairs partner Morrison, provided a skip for residents of Thornley to get rid of any unwanted household items, as well.

Carole Tilley, customer involvement officer said: “It’s been great to be able to get all different members of the community together, to get some fresh air and exercise and to tidy up the area.

“I’ve been particularly impressed with the pupils who have shown so much enthusiasm and been so well behaved.”

As part of the event, the pupils took part in a poster competition where they illustrated Keeping Our Estate Tidy.

Paul Mains, East Durham Homes’ Interim Chief Executive said: “Partnership working is really important to us and this is a great example of how different groups have come together to achieve a common goal.”