NEARLY 50 pupils proved themselves "community champions" when they helped clean up an area near their school.

The youngsters from St Luke's CE Primary in Morley Street were among a number of volunteers who took part in the successful litter-pick which was the brainchild of Bury Asian Women's Centre.

The environmental event certainly proved a worthwhile venture with the refuse collected filling more than 20 bin bags.

Parents, a school governor, two councillors and 20 service users and staff from Bury Asian Women's Centre joined the 48 youngsters during the litter pick. They patrolled Market Street, Dorset Drive and Cornwall Drive before finishing at Springs Community Green in Bury.

The clean-up concluded with a chat from Rachael Bamber, community development worker at New Springs Community Project Group.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq said: “It was a very good partnership with the local community.

“It shows what can be done when working together and it was a great result in terms of educating the children about the litter and why it needs picking up.”

He also thanked Asda Pilsworth community life champion Jill Brady for donating gloves for the event.

Ms Melanie Michael, headteacher at St Luke's Primary, added: "It was wonderful to have the opportunity to work with community leaders and to help improve the outdoor environment. The idea came from the Bury Asian Women's Centre and the event lasted for about 90 minutes. As far as we are concerned, this was all about being good citizens as it's very important to give something back to the community."