THE youth of today just can't wait to get stuck in to projects to help the community.

Around 20 young people aged 16 to 25 spent Saturday morning cleaning up the River Croal in Queens Park, Bolton.

The clean-up which saw young people wade into the river on a less than warm day, was to celebrate the arrival of the V-Team in Bolton.

The Government funded V-Team, is aimed at encouraging teenagers through to their mid-20s to get involved in volunteering in the community. This was its first official event.

Bolton is one of the first to have established such a team in the country.

Young people spent the morning removing debris from the river so it was ready for the arrival of ducks in the spring. The afternoon was given over to fun as the group staged duck races down the river.

Nicola Rigby, youth volunteer advisor, said: "These young people did not have to do this on a Saturday morning and we had a really good turn out.

"They all seemed to really enjoy it. The whole purpose of the V-Team initiative is to get people involved in volunteering so they can find something they are interested in.

"It also reduces anti-social behaviour because young people are channelling their energies into something which will benefit the community and themselves as opposed to taking their frustration out by acting anti-socially. It builds their self-esteem and confidence. At the same time it will look good on their CVs."

The young volunteers said they did not mind wading into the freezing river.

Sarah Colderly, aged 18, a student at Bolton Community College, said: "It is good to improve the environment, and meet new people and make new friends."

Fellow college student, Helen Carter, aged 17, added: "More young people should volunteer because it will reduce anti-social behaviour on the streets of Bolton. It is rewarding doing something even if we had to pick up rubbish from the river!"

Bolton School sixth former Arjun Ardeshana, aged 17, said he was inspired to take part in volunteering after a visit by the V-Team to his school.

He said: "It is putting something back into your community and it is a lot of fun."

For more information about the V-Team log on to www.wearev.com or www.vinspired.com