These youngsters became part-time Wombles one weekend as they armed themselves with sacks and set to work clearing their adventure playground.
The playground in Marlborough Road off Abingdon Road, Oxford, was cluttered with litter and other rubbish.
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The clean-up was organised in 1976 as part of Countryside Week promoted by Shelter, the campaign for the homeless.
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More than 20 children were sponsored for each half-hour they worked, with the money going to Shelter.
Dawn Houlton, the full-time play leader, said the problem had been caused by inconsiderate people driving up and dumping car loads of rubbish.
She added: “I wish people would remember that children have to play here.”
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