SOUTHAMPTON'S junior wardens made their mark on the city after a mass litter pick saw more than 60 bags of rubbish collected.

It wasn't all hard work though as the youngsters also enjoyed sports, arts and crafts, Bollywood dancing, and seed planting as part of the Easter-themed event in Northam.

The day was part of a community event held by the junior wardens in partnership with Hampshire Police which saw Northam Community Centre packed full of activities.

Bollywood dance teacher Pooja Rajhuru and dancer Kavita Bansal and drummers from Art Asia entertained the crowds.

There were also arts and crafts activities from Southampton Hospital Charity and Southampton Children's Play Association, The Saints Foundation put on sports workshops, teams from Rideride Cycle Workshop fixed bikes and the YMCA provided refreshments.

Youngsters had their faces painted by junior wardens and were given seeds to take home and grow by the West Itchen Community Trust.

Tesco donated 150 Easter eggs which were given to the children who took part in the litter pick. Any leftover eggs will be given to children at the Piam Brown ward at Southampton General Hospital.

Junior Warden Co-ordinator Ian Mitchell said: “It's about bringing the community together. This is also a culturally diverse area and we wanted to give different members of the community a reason to come together in one place.

”Southampton's 125 junior wardens come together for events during every school half term break where they help clean up the area, remove graffiti and paint murals, fences and park equipment.

They are led by a team of 14 to 18-year-old team leaders who also take part in monthly meetings to discuss what needs to be done in their areas.

For more information about becoming a junior warden, call 023 8091 5180, email junior.wardens@southampton.gov.uk or visit southampton.gov.uk/juniorwardens.