CHILDREN joined university students for a litter pick to improve the area outside their school.

Iceni Academy teamed up with the Essex University Student Union to clean up Boadicea Skate Park and Layer Road.

The children are part of a RotaKids scheme, which is an exciting way to make a positive difference to the community.

It is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Colchester Centurion.

Children aged 12 and under take part in activities that will make a difference to the school, and even globally.

At the same time the scheme helps build confidence and responsibility.

The clean up was also part of a national campaign - student volunteering week.

The school and Student Union have been working together for many years to create fun, exciting and hands-on projects.

The children were joined by Lyn Barton, school governors and Lib Dem councillor for Colchester.

She said: "I'm very impressed by the enthusiasm of the students and their intelligent questions about their environment.

"They had a keenness for the area to be smart and tidy."