EXTRA volunteers are invited to join residents fighting back against litter louts on footpaths around a large private housing estate.

Newton Hall Parish Paths Partnership is a residents' group set up to tackle problems on the network of thoroughfares on the outskirts of Durham.

Several planning meetings have taken place, culminating in a clean-up of a local footpath on Saturday.

The working party will tackle overgrown trees and litter, on the path opposite the Co-op store, parallel to Carr House Drive.

It will be co-ordinated by the county council's rights of way and service direct teams from 10am.

Bin bags, gloves and light refreshments will be provided.

The scheme aims to involve parishes and communities in improving and publicising their local rights of way networks, through surveys, maintenance works and interpretive material.

Parish paths officer Victoria Lloyd said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to do something positive for their local path network and environment.

"The paths around any urban area like Newton Hall can get particularly strewn with litter and the clean-ups aims to create a positive impact on the local environment."

Volunteers should meet at the junction of Langley Road and Carr House Drive.