Pupils working on a project to clean up their area ahead of the 2012 Olympics have received the backing of their MP.

Iain Duncan Smith visited students in years nine and 10 at Rush Croft Sports College, Chingford, who have been working with police to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Chingford and Woodford Green MP said he was delighted to see young people taking pride in their community.

He said: “They have been looking around the community trying to figure out what they have got to do.

“The group I met were particularly concerned about graffiti in the area near their school, so I suggested they set up an action team to go and clean it up and to draw it to the attention of the council.

“I wanted to encourage them because the work they are doing is very positive.”

The project, called Develop, is part of London 2012's Changing Places programme, which encourages people to clean up their area ahead of the games.

Pupils were given cameras and maps to help them identify blackspots which need attention.

For more information on the project visit the Changing Places website.

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