The Sycamore Road play area on the Trees Estate in Ribbleton is benefiting from a week-long blitz to improve safety, tackle anti-social behaviour and clean up grime.

Criminals doing unpaid work with Lancashire Probation Service will help to remove fly-tipped rubbish, graffiti and repair walls.

They will also remove bricks and debris from pavements that can be used as "ammunition" to damage residents' cars.

The team will be working alongside residents and the Hope Awaits partnership, which is made up of representatives from local churches.

Rob Booth, unpaid work manager for Lancashire Probation Service, said: "Offenders are completing their unpaid work hours in a way that directly benefits a community and will help to prevent further crime."

As part of the clean-up, Community Gateway Association will be ensuring residents do their bit to keep homes tidy.

And Preston Council's environmental health team will give advice on dog welfare issues. The authority will take enforcement action where necessary.

The fire service will also offer safety advice from a mobile fire station.

>> Vote in our latest web poll