YOUNG people have volunteered to clean up a Wirral cemetery targeted by yobs.

Flaybrick Cemetery in Bidston was hit by vandals recently, with more than 100 headstones and memorials damaged.

Now two groups of young people have volunteered to take part in a clean-up of the cemetery, supported by officers from Wirral Council’s Youth Support Service and Ranger Services. Young people contacted the Council through its local Youth Outreach Team.

The clean-up will take place on Saturday from 10.30am to 2pm.

Nic Harding, Ranger and Forest School Leader for Wirral Council said: “I was surprised when I got the phone call.

"I expected that people would be distressed by the vandalism in Flaybrick but I was really gladdened by these young people, so enthusiastically defending their heritage and willing to come and help.

"I have to say it has seriously rekindled my faith in young people. Hopefully the message will carry to other young people and I would love to see a young persons group having a say in the development of the heritage in this cemetery’s wonderful snapshot of Birkenhead’s history."

Cllr Tony Smith, cabinet member for children andfFamily services said: "Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the vast majority of young people are socially responsible, enthusiastic members of our communities.

"Often we only see the negative side, and that is hugely unfair. I'd like to say thank you to all of these young people."