AREAS of Hythe and Blackfield are better places today thanks to the efforts of some eager young volunteers who helped towards the success of a nationwide clean-up campaign.

The Holy Smoke youth group at St Andrew's Church at Dibden Purlieu signed up to the national Noise weekend which involved giving youngsters a chance to put something back into their communities.

They contacted the Swaythling Housing Society to see if there was something useful they could do and were invited to the Shore Road and Dominey Close area of Hythe for a major litter clear-up and fence painting operation.

As the litter vanished and the fences took on a bright new look, youth leader Jodie Terry said: "We have had volunteers from all the churches in the area and the children living here have been fantastic."

Sarah de Jong, 17, who initially suggested that St Andrew's should join the campaign, said: "This just shows how keen young people are to do something for their communities and they are really enjoying it."

After their good work at Dominey Close, they moved on for similar activities at Heather Road at Blackfield. There was high praise, too, from the Swaythling Housing Society's area housing manager Lawrence Blake.

He said: "We were approached by the noise project and we were delighted to become involved and help."

The society, which owns the homes where the youngsters were working, provided tea and coffee and contacted residents about the event.

New Forest District Council also supported the tidy-up, sharing with the provision of bin bags, gloves, paint brushes and brooms.