THREE youngsters have been praised for helping to keep their community free from rubbish.

Lewis Smith (8), Alex Dodd (10), and Tom Dodd (3) collected litter in Bardon Mill last Saturday (April 15).

Lewis' mum Sarah explained that the boys had been playing together but had begun to get a little bored.

When she suggested they make a den, they found there was too much litter.

"I said 'why don't you all go and have a little litter pick?'," said Sarah.

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The children filled two wheelbarrows - borrowed from family members - with rubbish they found close to the village's park and through the Pitman's Trail.

"I said to them 'I can't believe you've found all this around this area," said Sarah.

"They've done an amazing job."

The children have now also been recognised by their school, Henshaw C of E Primary, for their efforts.

Headteacher Mike Glenton said: "They were recognised as part of our school's celebration assembly, which happens every Friday.

"We're really proud of them, but we're more proud that they have done it themselves. It's been their own idea to do it, and they've done that as part of what they want to do for their community."