RESIDENTS of a once crime-plagued council estate in Darcy Lever have vowed to keep their neighbourhood clean and tidy.

Fresh from winning an award in London, the Wacky Cleaners want to create an estate of which they can be proud.

In doing so they have enlisted the help of many children who use their spare time to pick up litter and scrub graffiti.

Charley Reanne Smyth, aged seven, said: "We clean up gardens and parks because sometimes they can be a mess with crisp packets, cans and bricks. It was a mess around here a year ago but it's a bit cleaner now."

The area had been hit by decay and neglect to such an extent that Teresa Bolton, aged 33, of Long Lane, Darcy Lever, feared for her daughter's safety.

Together with pal Dawn Edwards, aged 37, of Beechcroft Avenue, and community outreach worker Victoria Worthington, they set about an amazing transformation of the estate.

With crime down, graffiti wiped away and drug addicts off the streets, the trio can afford to feel satisfied.

But they all agree their work is not yet over.

Miss Bolton said: "The work of the Wacky Cleaners has transformed this area from somewhere people would avoid to one that is attracting people. We have to continue this work."

Most of the 45-strong group are children.

Paige Booth, aged 10, said: "I love tidying up and I get to be with my friends. People still drop litter, but we clear it up."

Their efforts earned them a prize in the Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour and a cheque for £3,750.

Some of the cash will be spent on rewarding the children with a trip to see Blackpool's illuminations.

Marie O'Mara, aged 45, from Beechcroft Avenue, whose daughter Debbie, aged eight, likes helping out, said: "It's made a big difference. You can see how people are now taking pride in their properties and gardens.

"It's amazing how the area has been transformed."