GREEN-fingered members of a youth group have been getting their hands dirty while trying to help tidy up the area where they live.

Youth group Hartlepool Neighbourhoodies helped to dig, plant and water tree saplings provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust, at Romaine Park in the town.

They were joined by Housing Hartlepool, police community support officers, community wardens and representatives from the Woodland Trust to carry out the work.

The initiative came about as part of a wider Housing Hartlepool campaign to inspire residents to ‘Love Where You Live’, which encourages people to make a positive difference to the neighbourhoods they live in.

The Neighbourhoodies, who are based at the Phoenix Centre in Hindpool Close, Hartlepool, are a group of children aged between six and 17. The group is jointly run by Housing Hartlepool and Cleveland Police and focuses on providing diversionary activities, including tackling anti-social behaviour through education and promoting a community spirit and pride in the area.

Helen Ivison, the neighbourhood manager of Housing Hartlepool, said: “The trees will help enhance Romaine Park, encourage wildlife and have given the children an opportunity to learn more about the natural environment.

“As well as providing affordable homes across Hartlepool we are committed to improving our neighbourhoods and the surrounding environment to help create sustainable communities.”

The youth group is held on the second Wednesday of every month between 6pm and 7.30pm. For further information on the group or to join, contact Natalie I’Anson, tenancy relations and enforcement team support officer on 01429-525269.