YOUNGSTERS from St. Michael's First School in Minehead have helped clean up Lynmouth beach.

They filled several bags with litter from the beach as part of an environmental award scheme.

The children mounted the litter pick as well as looking and renewable energy and taking part in discussions on conservation in a scheme inspired by Scottish-born John Muir who set up the world's first national park in America.

St. Michael's is the most southerly school to take part in the scheme which is non-competitive, open to all and is an educational initiative of the John Muir Trust.

Exmoor National Park education officer Dave Gurnett said: "The youngsters really enjoyed taking part in the John Muir Award and it has definitely given them a better appreciation of what is around them. It would be lovely to think they may be able to go on to the other levels of the Award as they progress through their school careers."