WITH black bags and litter pickers in hand, pupils from Marling and Stroud High School took to the streets to help clean up the trash tarnishing the town.

The pupils invited along Stroud's own anti-litter crusader David Dowse - who recently launched a website to shock and shame those making the district dirty.

Youth councillors from each school invited pupils from all year groups to join in.

"Everyone was really supportive," said High School youth council representative Georgina Greenwood, 16.

"Our message is that it's not just the youth that cause problems but we want to help and are willing to help.

"We want people to realise we do actually do care about the environment."

The group of 25 pupils collected 12 large bags of litter from Stratford Road, Cainscross Road, Beards Lane, Paganhill Lane and the grounds of the two schools last Friday.

Mr Dowse said was thrilled the youngsters were so keen.

"It came as a bit of a surprise but it's great that they are taking the initiative," he said.

"Many of them care about this as much as I do."

David is now hoping to meet with Stroud District Council and the Chamber of Trade to discuss various ideas including a poster and billboard campaign.

Cllr Nigel Cooper, cabinet member for the environment at SDC, also attended.

"The environment affects us all and I hope more litter champions will come forward in their part of the district," he said.

"I am particularly pleased that young people are involved."

Cllr Elisabeth Bird, cabinet member for health and well being, was also present.