Darenth is celebrating a year of cleaner streets thanks to a generous group of youngsters.

The Darenth Little Helpers – local children who help keep their community clean by picking up litter after school – celebrated their first anniversary with a visit from Mayor of Dartford Ian Armitt.

Cllr Armitt backed the initiative when he sat on the parish council, and organiser Tracey Nazerath is delighted with how the group has helped the community in the past 12 months.

“I set this group up to encourage the children and grown-ups of our village to respect where they live and try and keep it clean,” she explained.

“It was actually Ian who helped us in the beginning and then other parents got involved.

“We have been going for a year now, my daughter is really inquisitive about the roads!”

The Little Helpers meet every Wednesday and Friday to pick up litter, with vital equipment like high visibility jackets provided by the council.

Also lending their support are staff at the village Co-op, who sponsor the group.

“We started on February 13, 2015, and already Green Street Green Road looks immaculate,” said Tracey.

“I’m very proud of the children and adults who joined in and hopefully we all make a difference.”

You can find out more about how to help the group by visiting the Darenth Little Helpers page on Facebook or following @little_helpers_ on Twitter.