A GROUP of youngsters who had become a nuisance to residents have turned over a new leaf and taken part in a major clean up operation of their estate.

The gangs of children admitted they had caused problems for people living on the Milner Estate in Derby.

But after becoming friendly with housing officer Abida Niaz from the Irwell Valley Housing Association they decided to change their ways.

They apologised to older residents for their previous behaviour, which had included hanging about and causing trouble in the area around Quebec Street, Elmbridge Walk and Dinsdale Drive.

A group of 12 of the youngsters, who are aged between seven and 14, have tried to make amends by organising a car wash on the estate which raised almost £50, and 20 of them spent a day clearing up the streets around their homes and filled two skips with rubbish.

Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon presented the hardworking youngsters with certificates for their efforts and they were all given goody bags as a treat.

Housing officer Abida Niaz said: "I started talking to the children last year and managed to break the ice with them. They told me: 'We're not all that bad', and admitted they had given hassle to some of the residents, but wanted to apologise and make a fresh start.

"Some residents were a bit reluctant at first, but when they saw them making an effort they lent them hosepipes and a power jet for the car wash and came out to help with the rubbish clear-up.

Dustpan

"The children have done really well and it was touching to see a three-year-old girl trying to join in the clear-up with a dustpan and brush and hear the kids persuading their parents to help out and take an interest in the estate."

The youngsters now hope to set up their own youth group as there are no activities for them on the estate and will be putting the money raised by the car wash towards a fund to cover the cost of days out to places such as Alton Towers.

The housing association will help out by applying to as many funding bodies as possible for money to transform the lives of the children and it is eventually hoped a youth centre can be set up on the estate. A GROUP of youngsters who had become a nuisance to residents have turned over a new leaf and taken part in a major clean up operation of their estate.

The gangs of children admitted they had caused problems for people living on the Milner Estate in Deane.

But after becoming friendly with housing officer Abida Niaz from the Irwell Valley Housing Association they decided to change their ways.

They apologised to older residents for their previous behaviour, which had included hanging about and causing trouble in the area around Quebec Street, Elmbridge Walk and Dinsdale Drive.

A group of 12 of the youngsters, who are aged between seven and 14, have tried to make amends by organising a car wash on the estate which raised almost £50, and 20 of them spent a day clearing up the streets around their homes and filled two skips with rubbish.

Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon presented the hardworking youngsters with certificates for their efforts and they were all given goody bags as a treat.

Housing officer Abida Niaz said: "I started talking to the children last year and managed to break the ice with them. They told me: 'We're not all that bad', and admitted they had given hassle to some of the residents, but wanted to apologise and make a fresh start.

"Some residents were a bit reluctant at first, but when they saw them making an effort they lent them hosepipes and a power jet for the car wash and came out to help with the rubbish clear-up.

Dustpan

"The children have done really well and it was touching to see a three-year-old girl trying to join in the clear-up with a dustpan and brush and hear the kids persuading their parents to help out and take an interest in the estate."

The youngsters now hope to set up their own youth group as there are no activities for them on the estate and will be putting the money raised by the car wash towards a fund to cover the cost of days out to places such as Alton Towers.

The housing association will help out by applying to as many funding bodies as possible for money to transform the lives of the children and it is eventually hoped a youth centre can be set up on the estate.