THE winners of this year's Lifestyle scheme got the bit between their teeth, notching up an "incredible" 921 hours on community causes.

The Munch Bunch, alias Aaron Wright, Michelle Benbow, Laura Wilkinson, Laura-Jane Blendell and Elizabeth Jones from Comberton Middle School, wowed judges with their commitment to a variety of projects and their determination to make each one fun. The Munch Bunch, from left, Laura-Jane Blendell, Elizabeth Jones, Laura Wilkinson and Aaron Wright at the Oxfam Shop in Kidderminster where they helped out as part of their Lifestyle project. Michelle Benbow was the other member of the team.

In all, more than 80 teams involving 350 young people, took part in the initiative, putting in 6,000 hours of community service on a wide range of projects, raising £4,900 in the process.

Lifestyle is a partnership between Kidderminster Police, Worcestershire Youth Service, Wyre Forest businesses and sponsors, schools and young people working together for the benefit of the community.

Charles Talbot, of main sponsors Kidderminster and District Youth Trust, said: "The Munch Bunch donated £200 to charity, but that was not their aim. They wanted to help others and have fun. This they did with style over six action-packed weeks."

And he described the number of hours put in by the youngsters as "incredible."

A doorstep recycling service resulted in the group collecting 10,000 newspapers, 700 cans and 3,000 bottles and sending a letter to councillors suggesting their scheme should become permanent.

Volunteers at the Oxfam shop, Kidderminster, where they worked for 10 days and where they still help out, were amused, along with customers, by the group dressing up in some of the stock.

In addition, the Munch Bunch raised money with a sponsored dunking of Glyn Lodge, the head of Year 8 at their school, entertained children at a summer club, picked up litter and removed graffiti, and organised a grand treasure hunt.

Their efforts - and that of hundreds of this year's Lifestyle participants - were honoured at an award ceremony in Kidderminster Town Hall.

The Munch Bunch's activities earned them a nine-day activity holiday in France next year, courtesy of the youth trust.

The leading six teams

Second

Five 4 Freedom, Comberton Middle School (Jonathan Brittain, Darren Pierce, Matthew Breakwell, Leigh Keeble and Matthew May.

The team collected £1,360 for the Barnardo's Break-away Project, which provides children with physical or learning difficulties with the chance of family life with foster carers, through litterpicks, car boot sales, bag packing at Safeway and a barbecue.

Prize: An activity weekend donated by Kidderminster and District Youth Trust.

Third

The Titchmarshes, Comberton Middle School (Rebecca Kerry, Vanessa Watts, Stuart Malcolm and Chris Pye).

The group renovated a patio garden at Stourminster Special School to provide an area for pupils to relax in. The group added new plants and pots, improved security and installed an irrigation system. Money and resources were raised through sponsorship, donations and odd jobs.

Prize: An activity weekend donated by the 51 International Club.

Fourth

Boredom Busters, Sladen Middle School (Laura Easton, Charlotte Paddock, Hannah Buncle and Tammi Palmer-Young.

The group ran a six-week course aimed at getting children aged six to 11 involved in different sports, providing a fun-filled holiday.

Prize: An activity weekend, courtesy of the 51 International Club.

Fifth

Sladen Superstars, Sladen Middle School (Lucy Cotgrave, Liz Cross, Samantha Robb and Laura Bourne).

The team tackled two main projects, sorting out the garden of an elderly woman and volunteer work at Rainbow Kids where they organised activities for 40 youngsters.

Prize: An activity weekend, courtesy of the Kidderminster Charity Football Cups Committee.

The Lifestyle School of the Year was Sladen Middle School which entered 10 teams and had pupils in three others.