A GROUP of Beaver cubs gave up their usual games and activities - to take the streets as party of the national Big Tidy Up initiative.

About 20 girls and boys, aged between six and eight, pounced the streets around their Malpas Road hut in Northallerton - as well as the town's library and subway - to pick up carelessly discarded rubbish.

Accompanied by leaders and parents and armed with gloves, high-visibility vests and litter tongs, the children filled four black bin bags with refuse.

The equipment was provided by Hambleton District Council's Street Scene Team through the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership's "Don't Mess with Us" Initiative.

Beaver leader Joanne Macfarlane said: "They were very enthusiastic about it and did a great job."

The children's efforts will also help earn them their Global Challenge badge.

Congratulating the youngsters on their efforts, street scene manager John Proud said he hoped other groups would come forward to help.

"Areas previously blighted by litter have been greatly improved. But we want to see communities all over the district establishing litter-picking teams to undertake regular clean-ups."

To set up a community litter pick, contact John Proud on streets@hambleton.gov.uk or phone 0845 1211 555.