THIS year’s Young Wardens scheme has been declared the most successful yet and is only going to get bigger and better in 2013.

To celebrate, the children and staff descended upon the County Ground athletics track yesterday for a fun-filled day of Olympic- themed activities. John Saunders, 23, of Purton , was one of the four Neighbourhood Wardens who organised the day.

“I helped to put together all the games and work out the day’s routine” he said.

“But the best part is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces. They love it.”

The activities included basketball, sumo wrestling and numerous athletics events.

The children were also rewarded for their hard work around the community with an Olympic-style medal presentation from Swindon mayor Mick Bray. DVDs were also given to each child as a reminder of their achievements this summer.

The four groups, named the Moredon Meerkats, Stratton Sharks, Parks Pumas and Walcot Wombats, contributed to their neighbourhood by taking part in numerous projects. These ranged from gardening and litter picking to the creation of a mosaic for the sensory garden at Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library.

Rhowen Pike, 10, who attends Moredon Primary School, was one of the 80 children who took part and he aid he had learned a lot from his experience.

“The fire station visit was fantastic. I went down the fireman’s pole and we did fun activities using the hose,” he said. “I’m so glad I did it, I’ve made lots of friends and learned how to keep safe too.”

The children, aged between seven and 11, went on numerous trips including a visit to the police station which impressed Daniel Choules, eight, of Park North .

“I want to be in the police firearms team when I grow up now,” he said.

Warrick Lynham, one of the four leaders at the Moredon group, worked closely with the parents as well as the children involved.

“We get to personally know the kids and we meet all their parents,” he said.

“The more we do this, the more we begin to grow and connect with the community.

“Hopefully we can pass on to the kids what we do as a job and in years to come we won’t have this problem with litter and graffiti.”