YOUNG people in a Wear Valley village are urging residents to take pride in their community.

Pupils at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Coundon, took part in a six-week education programme called Pride to find out how they can take better care of their neighbouring communities.

Working with environment agency Groundwork West Durham and Wear Valley District Council, pupils identified specific problems facing the area and presented them to Coundon and Leeholme Community Partnership.

They reported graffiti to the council, which was then cleaned up, and tested poop scoop methods, recommending an Easi-scoop to dog owners.

As well as encouraging other residents to look after the area, the children made a difference themselves by planting more than 200 daffodil bulbs at Eden Close.

An exhibition of the children's work is being displayed at Tees Walk Community Centre, in Coundon, to raise awareness about issues such as litter, dog fouling and graffiti.

Pride campaign officer Joanne Morley said: "The children have worked extremely hard on this project and have developed a valuable understanding of the negative impact problems such as litter, dog fouling and graffiti can have on the local environment.

"The children hope that their efforts will encourage the whole community to take pride in Coundon and Leeholme."