A TALENTED team of tiny trouble shooters have been given honorary ranger status after a week-long initiative in Darlington town centre.

During May, youngsters from schools across the borough joined a five-strong team of town centre rangers every day, patrolling the streets and meeting shoppers and business owners.

Not only did they provide practical help with issues such as litter but they were able to try their hands at radio communications, visit a CCTV centre and even meet police to find out more about their work in the town centre.

The junior rangers - aged between seven and nine - also learned about the environmental issues facing the town centre and were able to offer their ideas on future improvements.

Then, as a memento of their time with the Distinct Darlington Rangers, each child was given a certificate and photograph certifying them as honorary members of the Ranger team.

The rangers are the brainchild of Business Improvement District company Distinct Darlington, which was formed to promote business and encourage a clean, safe and welcoming town centre.

Distinct Darlington manager Alex Hirst said: "The Junior Rangers were an absolute asset to the team.

"Not only did they work really hard but they made a great impression on shoppers, business owners and residents alike.

"We’re always very keen to hear ideas and suggestions on how we can improve the town centre – particularly when they come from children, as they are the shoppers of the future.

"Some of them have come up with some very interesting initiatives that we would like to look in to."

For further information visit distinctdarlington.co.uk