COMMUNITY-minded youngsters aged between 11 and 16 are working in their spare time to improve the environment in Woolwich.

Over eight Saturdays, the Junior Champions group is clearing up Woolwich Common, concentrating mainly on graffiti removal.

Executive for neighbourhood renewal Councillor Angela Cornforth said: “Residents have been particularly pleased to see young people working on a scheme to improve the environment. The council spends a lot of money cleaning up graffiti. The idea has proven to be very successful and one which we hope will grow. We want to promote communities which we can all be proud of.”