YOUNG people have made a visual record of an estate's problems to shame a council into action.

Ten youngsters, aged from eight to 15, have taken photographs of litter, drugs paraphernalia and dog dirt on their Stockton estate.

The children have also taken images of barren areas of the Elm Tree estate and superimposed ideas about how they could be improved to benefit their generation.

They have included images of playground equipment and skateboarding parks on empty areas around the community centre and the park opposite the estate's shops.

The team also took a picture of the community centre wall and superimposed a colourful mural to show how the area could be brightened up.

Now, the youngsters have released a joint statement which says: "We live in Elm Tree and sometimes think that some places could be made better.

"We were given a disposable camera by Stockton Borough Council's democratic services and went out into our area and took pictures of what we like in the area and what we would like to change."

Their cause has been backed by Councillor Suzanne Fletcher, the leader of Stockton's Liberal Democrats.

She said: "This shows they care about their area and I would like to see some leading council officers come in and see what they've done."

Alan Hebron, chairman of the Elm Tree Community Association, said: "I like that they have focused on litter. The kids have shown up the estate's problems for what they are and good on them."

Councillor Steve Nelson, cabinet member for the environment, said: "These youngsters have highlighted the negative impact that irresponsible dog owners and litter louts have on our environment and we will be pleased to look at their comments.

"The mural is an interesting idea and one that we would certainly develop with the young people if they get in touch."

The youngsters' efforts are on display to the public at Elm Tree Community Centre, in Elm Tree Avenue.

The ten young people who have been involved in the project are Sophie Harper, ten, Gary Murray, 15, Jade Murray, 12, Jordan Murray, eight, Jake Holt, 13, Danny Murray, nine, Bradley Murray, nine, Laura Birmingham, 12, Anthony Birmingham, 15 and Shaun Gibson, 13.

Their work was supported by youth organisation Connexions Tees Valley.