STUDENTS had to dig deep as part of an awards scheme.
The youngsters from Manor College of Technology, Hartlepool, went to clean Greatham Beck and found a huge pile of straw blocking the flow.
The straw, believed to have been dumped by youths, had to be scooped from the water and spread on nearby fields.
The year 11 students spent the day working with Hartlepool Borough Council countryside wardens, and Pride in Hartlepool campaigners, both of which are supporting efforts by the 17th Aidan's Scouts to conserve a stretch of the beck.
The clean-up, which also involved the removal of a fallen tree, was part of the students' involvement in the Asdan Youth Awards.
The awards help youngsters develop teamwork, communication and presentational skills through environmental and sporting challenges.
Countryside warden Robert Smith said: "It is very encouraging to have so many youngsters enthusiastically working alongside us to make a very real difference to Hartlepool's natural environment."
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