DURHAM’S riverbanks have been given a clean up.

The work was part of a Week of Action organised by Durham County Council’s Durham Area Action Partnership, riverside rangers and other staff.

Four fixed penalties were issued to litterers, Durham Sixth Form Centre students filled 40 bags with silt and debris from paths, staff from the Slug and Lettuce bar collected four bags of rubbish and workers from the Radisson Blu Hotel painted 800m of fencing.

Pauline Walker, a civic pride officer from the council, said: "The week was a huge success with volunteers from local businesses and students working alongside council staff to make a real difference to the appearance of the riverside."

All businesses taking part were given a gold Tidy Business award. Further work is planned for coming months.