Children who cleaned up an Oxford estate are taking a pride in their community and environment, one of the city's senior street wardens has said.

Malcolm Taylor said a litter pick up by junior wardens in Blackbird Leys had restored his faith in young people.

Mr Taylor and his team arranged the junior warden scheme in Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill to help keep children active over the summer holidays.

About 30 boys and girls aged eight to 13 signed up to the initiative, which included the clean-up and trips to a museum and donkey sanctuary.

Ten of the junior wardens joined police, street wardens and city council employees in cleaning up roads in Blackbirds Leys earlier this month.

Mr Taylor said: "We told them it was their estate and the more they looked after it the better it would be for them in the future.

"Ten of them filled 12 bags in two hours. To show that sort of commitment is impressive.

"It shows they are interested. They are not the ones that want to sit around and be bored.

"They want to help out and improve their own environment.

"Children like these restore your faith in young people."

The scheme is in its fifth year, and was boosted by a grant of £150 from Blackbird Leys Parish Council - used for a trip to Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, near Wallingford.

Other activities being planned include bowling and a treasure hunt.

Amanda West, from Acacia Avenue, Greater Leys, whose two sons Luke and Jordan Irving are junior wardens, said: "It is very good. I know the boys enjoy it very much."

Luke, 11, said: "Doing the litter pick-up and cleaning up the estate was fun."

Tasha Woodley, from Birchfield Close, Blackbird Leys, said her 11 year-old special needs daughter Tilly loved the scheme.

She said: "She can get out and be more ind- ependent."