A GROUP of youths from North Tawton have taken part in a challenge to tidy up their park, in a bid to show their dedication to continue the upkeep of its facilities.

Around 15 youths, aged between 6 and 15, helped with the tidy up, which took two and a half hours to complete.

The park is set to receive a full renovation thanks to grants from the Big Lottery Fund and West Devon Borough Council.

The new park, which will cost in the region of £140,000, will have up-to date play equipment to give children of all ages from North Tawton somewhere safe to play and meet with friends.

It will incorporate equipment for teenagers, including new goalpost nets and a shelter for them to socialise in.

Last week the group worked hard painting old goalposts, cleaning up graffiti, litter picking and replacing the goalpost nets, to show local residents, councillors and the police that they are willing to look after their park.

The nets were purchased through funding from West Devon Anti-Social Behaviour Forum.

Senior youth support worker from North Tawton Youth Club Hannah Witcomb said: 'Young people have always had a keen interest with improving their park and its facilities.

'They attended a lot of council meetings and put a lot of work into this, including a petition.

'When the park plans were being put in place, they spoke to our local councillor for North Tawton, Nick Morgan, as well as the architects who attended one of our youth sessions.

'They are really keen to be part of the community and have their say and are now looking to do the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the youth and community centre.'

Police community support officer Danielle Moore-Dunstan helped the young people in the clean-up operation.

Work on the park is set to start in the next coming weeks.

North Tawton Youth Club senior sessions are held every Thursday from 7.30pm until 9.30pm, for young people aged 14 and over.

The junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 7pm until 9pm for 11 to 13 year olds.