TEENAGERS from Sale and Stretford made a positive difference in the borough last week.

Around 30 young people gave up their free time on Saturday October 1 to help revitalise Victoria Park.

Together with Friends of Victoria Park, the youngsters, from LifeYouth based at LifeChurch Manchester on Washway Road in Sale, cleared shrubs, litter-picked, painted and removed graffiti at the park.

The clean-up is the latest in a series of events that are part of the iHeartManchester social action programme, which was started by Sale pastor Tom Butler.

Tom, formed the group two years ago to help young people engage with their community, and since then they have helped people all over the borough.

He said: “We believe in young people. We know that the media images we have all got so used to this year don’t reflect the reality.

“The truth is our young people want to be active in the community, doing good for their families, neighbourhoods and their city.

“We love this city, and the young people want to get out and show it. This is the way they feel they can do something and make some noise for the right reasons in their community.”

The iHeartManchester vision is based on doing good work, giving something back and being a positive presence in the community.

Examples of previous projects undertaken by the Sale-based youth group include spending time with pensioners and house-bound residents, clearing allotments and helping with gardening projects within the community.

Stretford Grammar School pupil Erin Williams, 16, one of the iHeartManchester group at LifeYouth, said: “We’re not all trouble makers, some of us care about our city, and are desperate to change the negative view of young people.”