HELPFUL youngsters who want to do good in their community gathered for the launch of the Young Wardens scheme 2015.

In a ceremony held at the Moredon Community Centre and launched by Swindon mayor Andrew Bennett, 20 young volunteers began their summer of wardenship.

The Young Wardens scheme, run by Swindon Borough Council’s neighbourhood warden team, is aimed at teaching youngsters aged from seven up to 11 the importance of helping out in the community.

The first session involved the children, with help from the police, getting creative to decorate plant pots which will be given to older people in the area.

Over five weeks, the kids will visit the police and fire station, litter pick, learn about internet and road safety with trips to Coate Water Country Park and charity TWIGS also on the summer agenda.

Peter Holohan, the neighbourhood warden manager, said: “It’s about teaching them valuable life skills.

"They’re making a positive contribution to their town and giving them something they can look back on as adults and give them a sense of purpose.

“In previous years they’ve designed mosaics which have gone on display around the town, and it’s their legacy to their town, something they can look back on with pride.

“It’s making them proud of where they’ve come from, and giving them that identity.

The Moredon Meerkats branch joins the Toothill Turtles, Penhill Porcupines, and Pinehurst Pythons troops.

Mayor Andrew Bennett said becoming a warden encourages the children to appreciate the good things about the town.

“You get to appreciate the value of cleaning things up so you can enjoy playing outside and rolling about without a care in the world," he said.

The scheme will culminate with a finale barbecue and sports day at Lydiard Park on August 28.