A scheme which encourages Oxford children to take responsibility for their communities by tackling litter and vandalism will be relaunched in the New Year.

Oxford City Council was forced to suspend its junior street warden programme earlier this year because not enough adult street wardens were trained to look after all the children who had joined. About 100 children had signed up and were helping to patrol areas including Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill and Barton.

The youngsters aged between eight and 13 took part in litter-picking and identifying areas suffering from vandalism and graffiti.

Working alongside the council's street wardens, they even checked out-of-date car tax discs. More adult wardens have now been trained to work with the children and council spokesman Louisa Dean confirmed that the scheme would be reinstated in early 2007.

She said previous junior wardens would automatically be included and there would be a recruitment drive for new members.

Ali Berry, of Court Farm Road, Rose Hill, said she was delighted the council was reviving the scheme. Her daughter Shannon, nine, was a warden and last year was praised for coming to the rescue of an injured pensioner.

Gordon Hall, 79, suffered bruises, a broken nose and six broken ribs when he fell in the street. Shannon ran to get help from adult street wardens and paramedics.

Ms Berry said: "She loved being a warden, because she likes doing things for people.

"We have tried to teach her that she's living in a community and she needs to keep it tidy and the scheme just reinforces that. I'm pleased, because it keeps her out of trouble."

The junior warden scheme was launched two years ago. Initially about 50 children joined the Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill groups and more formed a new team in Barton last year.

Each warden was given a blue tabard and cap, bought with £500 donated by the council's south east area committee.

They were rewarded for their work with treats including trampolining and visiting a zoo.