YOUNG people have won the thanks of their neighbourhood for trying to improve residents' quality of life.

The youngsters stepped into the limelight at a ceremony this week to thank them for their efforts.

Four individuals and seven groups organised events and activities to mark national Make a Difference Day.

The eight to 19-year-olds, who live in the Newport, West Lane and Whinney Banks areas of Middlesbrough, worked with West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) on activities including litter picks, pool competitions, car washing, recycling and bulb planting.

The initiative aimed to involve more young people in the work of the trust and get them to make a difference to where they live.

Joan Ford, chairwoman of the trust which manages a £52m New Deal for Communities programme, said: "We're really proud of the young people and the adults who have worked together to ensure Make a Difference Day has been a success in west Middlesbrough.

"The cross-generational projects were great fun. The adults and the young people worked really well together and it's helped to get people talking and change perceptions on both sides."

Prizes including mountain bikes and an activity day will be awarded to youngsters who had the best schemes.