STUDENTS are signing up to become green wardens to improve their community.

A new scheme involving pupils from Catford High school, Conisborough Crescent, Catford aims to improve the area by carrying out tasks such as picking up litter, gardening and leaflet distribution.

Young people from the school who have signed up to become green wardens are taking part in the tasks outside of lesson time and often before school starts.

They also visit primary schools to share their experiences.

Pupils who apply to become green wardens must meet a number of criteria, including good attendance and punctuality, good achievement and strong communication skills.

The idea for the green wardens scheme was proposed through the Catford South local assembly.

The scheme aims to have a positive impact on the environment as well as challenging negative perceptions residents might hold about young people.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock and the Cabinet designated £15,000 from the Mayor’s fund for the scheme in July.

Each student receives a nominal amount for participating in the scheme to help them develop an understanding of how to manage finances.

Headmaster of Catford High school, Bob Ellis, said: “Our team of Green Wardens are fantastic ambassadors for our school. Thanks to the support of the local assembly, they’re now making a real difference to the lives of local residents."

Green wardens from Catford High school, Melody Adeniran, Bevon Blair and Selver Apaydin, all aged 14, will be showing a powerpoint presentation at the next Catford South local assembly tomorrow (October 22).

They will be providing information about the scheme, what it has achieved so far and will be answering questions from the audience.