Children on a South Shields estate undergoing a major regeneration have pledged to take care of their area and make it a better place to live and play.
The pupils of Ridgeway Primary School, at the heart of Cleadon Park estate, have produced a Children's Charter, which lists a range of do's and don'ts that pupils have pledged to abide by.
These include putting litter in bins to being kind to each other, walking dogs on leads and informing parents of their whereabouts.
Pupils were given a presentation about the Charter before being encouraged to sign up to its values, which aim to encourage them to take pride in Cleadon Park. The Charter has also been endorsed by Speedy the Tortoise - the mascot for the Cleadon Park Regeneration 'educational toolkit' launched last summer.
Councillor Jim Foreman, Chair of Governors and Lead Member for Children and Young People, said: "The children of Cleadon Park have been really enthusiastic about the regeneration of their estate and have shown a great deal of interest.
"The development of the Children's Charter was an excellent way of getting the pupils to think about how they can help to look after Cleadon Park and make it a better place to live. This ranges from agreeing not to drop litter to being considerate to their neighbours.
"By having them take an active part in its creation, it encourages them to take ownership of it, build community spirit and develop a real sense of pride in their local area."
The Cleadon Park Regeneration Partnership is made up of South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Homes, Nomad E5 (part of ISOS Housing Group), Bellway Homes and local residents. The regeneration involves the demolition of 538 properties to make way for 707 new homes, a Primary Care Centre and community facilities.
Councillor Foreman added: "The Council's Housing Renewal Team and Nomad E5 have been working with Ridgeway Primary School pupils since the start of the regeneration and have done a great deal of work in helping the children to produce this Charter. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts and look forward to seeing the results of their continued hard work and the positive impact it is having on Cleadon Park."
Caption: Councillor Jim Foreman helps Speedy the Tortoise to encourage Ridgeway Primary School pupils Keisha Ross, Kyle Barras, Gillian Dixon, Sam Craik and Tina Kane to sign up to the new Charter. Nomad E5's Neighbourhood Investment Manager, Lewis Rimmington and Housing Renewal Project Officer, Lindsay Riddle are also pictured.
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