STUDENTS joined forces with Stockton Heath Parish Council to tackle mess left by litter louts in the village last Wednesday.

Appleton College pupils, parish councillors and Warrington Borough Council officers made their way to Sandy Lane Centre for the spring clean which formed part of the national Clean for the Queen campaign.

Pupils from Stockton Heath Primary School and St Thomas' CE Primary School also designed a number of posters before they were placed in the The Forge to encourage traders and residents to keep the area free from litter.

WBC praised volunteers who gave up their time and admitted such events are a massive help amid service cuts.

A spokesman said: "We really do appreciate the efforts of those residents and community groups who work in partnership with the council to take on the fly-tippers and the litter louts to make a difference to our borough.

"It's great to see our communities working with us to effect change and have fun.

"Warrington now has four voluntary litter-picking groups, which shows that there is the passion out there to get out and do something about the litter problem."