YOUNGSTERS gave up their free time to give a riverside area a makeover.

A group from Pennywell and South Hylton, in Sunderland, worked through the school summer holidays to improve the banks of the River Wear, at South Hylton.

The youngsters, part of the Youth Regeneration Project, set up as part of the regeneration of the Pennywell area, built steps to the riverside, widened footpaths, cleared away rubbish and cut grass.

They volunteered to carry out the work and received support from members of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Their efforts have earned them the John Muir Award, launched to encourage young people to take an interest in conservation work.

Youth worker Jo Weston said: "This project has encouraged young people to get involved in visibly improving their community.

"All the youngsters have given up their holiday time to work on this project, which is great to see.''

Michael Duffy, one of the project participants, said: "I really enjoyed working on this project.

"The site looks much better. Not only have we improved the site for the community but we have achieved an award at the same time.''

The Youth Participation Project was launched in April of last year to increase the involvement of 11 to 21-year-olds in the multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

The youngsters will give a presentation on their conservation work to residents and city councillors, on Thursday.