YOUNG people from across County Durham are joining together to make their communities better places to live.

October sees the launch of the fifth Royal Mail and Durham Constabulary Youth Action Challenge, involving people aged ten to 20.

Last year more than 500 people took part working on over 60 county-wide community projects.

This involved cleaning up graffiti, designing environmental gardens and addressing bullying and drugs awareness.

The six-month challenge sees youth action groups use a £20 starter grant to produce an innovative community project.

Last year's winners, the Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, performed a drama on bogus callers to over 1,000 elderly people.

Royal Mail Durham area manager Nick Morgan said the scheme allowed young people "to make their own communities better places to live".

Durham Police co-ordinator, PC Lynda Hutchinson added: " Durham Police are proud to be connected with a project that helps young people develop their citizenship and gain the recognition they so much deserve."