A GROUP of youngsters in the Halcon area of Taunton have joined a very exclusive club by becoming Blue Peter Badge winners.

They join some very famous badge-holders including the Queen, David Beckham and JK Rowling.

The youngsters earned their badges through becoming real ambassadors for their community through the had work they have devoted to keeping Halcon clean and green through their regular litter-picks.

The badges were presented by BBC Somerset Breakfast Show's Emma Britton last Friday at a special ceremony at Taunton Town Football Club.

Cllr Jane Warmington, who holds Taunton Deane's community leadership portfolio, said: "The litter pick also brings local families together, helps those taking part to make friends and the One Team get to spend some informal time with them.

"The busy morning is rounded off with a healthy lunch for everyone at the Children's Centre and lots of thank yous."

The volunteers, aged three to 15, work together on Saturdays with the support of the Halcon One Team.

Sharon Collard, getset Early Help Officer, said: "This is a great project, it brings us altogether as a One Team.

"Opening our Children's Centre up during weekends builds trust and confidence amongst our most vulnerable and allows us to focus on community engagement, healthy lifestyles, parenting support and environmental, look and feel of the area.

"I am so proud of the children, they are making change."

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council's cabinet member for Children and Families, added: "The Halcon One Team is a shining example of what can be done to make a real difference to children, their families and their communities through partnership working.

"The team works continuously to help families make positive changes to their lives, and the litter picking initiative is just one part of their work. "The young volunteers who have been involved truly deserve this reward and I would like to thank them all for the positive example they are setting for other children and young people in Somerset."