VOLUNTEERS from the Prince's Trust launched a clean-up of Bishop Auckland.

The group, which is based in the town and is part of a partnership with Stockton Riverside College, has identified two areas of land that need tidying up. One is next to Auckland Castle and has been a cause for complaints by residents for about 40 years.

The volunteers have spent a week there clearing several tonnes of rubbish.

Team leader Jo Hull said the group was overwhelmed by the support it received from businesses. The group was joined for a couple of days by Uncle Bulgaria, from the Wombles.

She said: "We have had continuing support from Bob Emerson at Wear Valley District Council, who has provided skips and tools, and Jean Wombwell, from Trimmers hairdressers, who donated raffle prizes and sold raffle tickets as well as sending the Womble to help us.

"The Seymour Trust provided sand and soil and Jewsons provided the trellis and the delivery of gravel.

"We have had a fantastic response from all of the local businesses, including bacon sandwiches from the Castlegate Caf, which kept us going."

Work on the second site, behind Currys, in Newgate Street, will start soon. The store will also provide help.

Miss Hull said: "All of this has been organised by the young volunteers and they have worked extremely hard. There are people who care about their town."