YOUNGSTERS in Hartlepool have helped three charities by collecting almost 1,000kgs of unwanted items.

Pupils from Barnard Grove, St Helen's and St Bega's Primary Schools collected the items, including clothes and games, which will now be sold in shops run by the RSPCA, the Salvation Army and Hartlepool Hospice.

It is estimated £1,350 will be raised from the sale of the goods.

Pupils involved in the Schools and Charities scheme have been working with Hartlepool Borough Council's health development officer Emma Tierney.

She said: "Schools and Charities helps us to teach the children about the importance of issues such as recycling and re-using materials, and the vital work that is carried out by charities.

"I am delighted with the success of the scheme and pupils at all three schools deserve a lot of praise for the wholehearted way they got involved."