Ten pupils from Farringdon College, Pc Les Jordan and staff from the Box Youth Project took part in a tidy-up of Blakeney Woods.

The team spent two hours picking litter and ridding the woods of other rubbish as part of the national volunteering Make a Difference day.

Lisa Wilson, manager of the Box Youth Project, said: "It was very muddy, but it went extremely well.

"The young people who took part gave up their free time to give something back and now they can use this on their CVs to show employers what they can do."

Sunderland Council provided the pick sticks, bin liners and overalls and collected the rubbish at the end of the day.

Pc Jordan said: "It was felt by all that a tidy-up of the woods next to the Youth Project on Hall Farm Road would be a good idea.

"The weather cheered up and, donned in white boilersuits, wellies and gloves, a procession of enthusiastic young people set off into the woods, no doubt to the amazement of passers-by.

"Bottles, bags and an old tent were collected from the woods.

"Overall, the event was supported by the local authority, and enjoyed by the local young volunteers, not forgetting Lisa and her staff, to the benefit of the community."