YOUNGSTERS were praised for helping to clean up their estate.

A group of children aged between eight and 14 joined in a community sweep around Westham in Weymouth and filled over 20 bags with rubbish.

They concentrated on the area where they live - Knoll Gardens and Corporation Road - and their skills even extended to mowing a garden.

Adult helpers were thrilled with their efforts and rewarded them with an ice-cream each.

The clean-up was organised by the Westham Safer Neighbourhood Team in response to concerns by residents.

Police Community Support Officer Clive Joyner said: "I think it is important to recognise the good work that is going on in Westham.

"I have been part of the Westham Safer Neighbourhood Team for several months now and in that time I have seen communities coming together, talking to each other and taking pride in the area they live. It's wonderful."

Dads Paul Harvey and Chris Wardlaw assisted the children and were pleased to see them channelling their efforts into something positive. They explained that young people in Westham desperately needed a space to play.

Mr Wardlaw said: "We could arrange an area in a field where we could set up games or perhaps a night at the community centre dedicated for the kids.

"People have a problem with kids kicking balls against their car but the kids need something to do.

"I am appealing to anyone who can help us set up activities for the young people to get in touch."

All residents are invited to the next Westham Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting which is on Tuesday, June 5, at 7pm at St Paul's Church, Abbotsbury Road.

If you would like to talk to the Safer Neighbourhood Team about any issues contact them by email: WesthamSNT@dorset.pnn.police.uk