Pupils from Rushey Green Primary School got involved in a project to clean up Catford and make it safer.

The group surveyed their school to find out which places students found most unsafe. They then went on a community walk to discover the local community’s concerns.

The project was organised by Lewisham Citizens which is a part of the Citizens UK organisation.

Year five student Sophia said: “I want Catford to make me smile, at the moment there is too much litter and alleyways like the one by Octavia house that make me scared.”

Students from Rushey Green Primary School have also been involved in other projects.

They have helped Syrian refugees come to the borough and have fought for affordable housing.

Lewisham Citizens Community organiser Pete Brierley said “Students realise that they have to play their role in making Catford safer and more welcoming for everyone.

“They have a few ideas about how they want to make that happen and they will also be calling on local councillors to do a community walk with them to share their concerns and make some much-needed changes.

“It’s great to see people participating in such a responsible way at such a young age. The students are a real credit to Rushey Green Primary School which takes seriously their role in the local community.”