Children will be taking part in an educational campaign aimed at improving the environment and tackling litter problems.
Pupils from schools in Wingate will be getting involved in a week of activities, including education sessions and litter picks, as part of the scheme.
The event, which is organised by Durham County Council in partnership with Wingate Parish Council, Durham Constabulary and the Probation Service, is aimed at instilling pride in local communities as well as encouraging young people to throw their rubbish away correctly and help keep their neighbourhood clean and tidy.
Students from Wellfield Community School and parish council representatives will be taking part in a litter pick in the pit heap area of the village on Thursday (24 September).
On Friday (25 September) pupils from St Mary’s Primary School will receive a visit from the council’s anti-litter mascot Tidy Ted before joining a litter pick.
There will also be a free dog microchipping event between 10.30am and 1.30pm at Gully House Community Centre in Gully Road, which is open to all residents in the county.
Tidy Ted will then visit Wingate Infant School on Monday (28 September) before pupils at Wingate Junior School will be taught about litter and the impact it can have on the environment.
The Probation Service will also be carrying out clean-up sessions in the village on Thursday (24 September) and Friday (25 September).
Meanwhile, neighbourhood wardens from the council and East Durham Homes will be carrying out a series of walkabouts to assess any environmental issues needing attention.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council said: “We are committed to keeping our communities litter free and educational campaigns like this are a great way of doing so while equipping young people with the right knowledge to keep our environment clean and tidy in future.”
For further information about environmental education and Civic Pride visit www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride, email civicpride@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000.
Report litter issues online at www.durham.gov.uk/litter or call 03000 261 000.