KIDS from Glasgow's West End have joined the frontline in the war against litter louts.

In one evening around 60 youngsters, aged seven to 13, collected 10 bags of rubbish from a beauty spot in Scotstoun after signing up to the Clean Glasgow campaign.

The team from Scotstoun Woodies blitzed the Nature Walk near Victoria Park.

They are one of the first groups of youngsters to get involved in the city council's £4million clean-up drive and are among the first 1000 volunteers to roll up their sleeves.

All the youngsters were supplied with gloves, litter pickers, black bags and bibs.

And after collecting a mountain of crisp bags, cans, sweet wrappers and takeaway papers they all had a clear message to the people who leave their neighbourhood a mess - stop dropping litter.

Phoebe Brocklebank, 10, said: "The nature trail was a real mess with rubbish. But after we finished it looked much better. People should learn not to throw their litter on the ground."

Woodies leader Bridie O'Dowd said: "It is our local area and it needed attention. Having to clean it up sent a strong message about not dropping it in the first place.

"The kids gleefully discussed how smelly and disgusting it was but they seemed to really enjoy picking it up with the litter pickers, especially the younger ones."

The Woodies is an educational movement for youngsters designed to develop self-confidence and awareness of the environment.

City council leader Steven Purcell gave the Woodies a big pat on the back for their work.

He said: "They are to be congratulated for their efforts in cleaning up their local community and in doing so, setting a fantastic example for other citizens.

"We must change the mindset of the minority of people who view dropping litter, fly tipping and graffiti as acceptable and spoil the environment for everyone else.

"Clean Glasgow is about a partnership between the council and the people of Glasgow - we want to encourage people to take pride in their communities and help us to tackle this blight on the streets."

The Clean Glasgow initiative, backed by the Evening Times, has already led to a crackdown on louts, while the city has been spruced up by a specialist team of workers.

More than 400 people have been fined for dropping rubbish and 1000 volunteers - almost all adults - have signed up to help tidy up their community.

For details on how to join the campaign, call the Clean Glasgow Community Action team on 0800 027 7027 or visit www.cleanglasgow.com The Scotstoun Woodies - or Woodcraft Folk - meet every Tuesday at Scotstoun Primary School and take part in a range of indoor and outdoor activities. Visit www.scotstoun-woodies.co.uk West End's Woodies join battle to rid Glasgow of litter louts