BANGOR and Pwllheli youngsters have been taking part in a summer scheme to help improve their communities.

Sixteen year five pupils recently took part in a Junior Warden project organised by housing association Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG).

The initiative gives the young people a chance to work alongside community housing officers and aims to teach them about the work that goes to keep communities safe and pleasant.

The scheme, running since 2010, has seen over 140 children participating from areas across the county.

Sarah Schofield, director of customers and communities at CCG said: “Our Junior Warden scheme gives children a fantastic opportunity to learn more about their communities and the jobs they might like to do when they leave school. The aim of the scheme is to give the junior wardens as many different experiences as possible to inspire them to think about their communities.

“As well as working with the police, fire, ambulance and court services, the junior wardens have been working with our teams and taking part in litter picks on the estates.

"These sessions have given the children the chance to see what happens in their local areas, and how by working together we can make our communities a better place to live.

"We are really proud to offer Gwynedd youngsters this opportunity every year.”

The youngsters spent a day a week with CCG’s community housing officers.

Activities included; a day with North Wales Fire Service and North Wales Police, a tour of the air ambulance service, fitness and safety on the water sessions in Plas Heli Pwllheli, visiting the Solar Panels in Plas Newydd, visiting a farm making Glasu ice cream in Edern, and a day with Wild Elements, on clean ups.

The youngsters were presented with certificates to mark their hard work.

Junior warden Hope Roberts, from Bangor, said: “I had trouble sleeping the night before, as I was so excited!”