A POPULAR community garden has been given a makeover by young people as part of a development programme.
The group have breathed new life into the garden at the Community Hub at Newport Settlement and will join local residents to view their handiwork at a special event next month.
Working as part of the Safe in Tees Valley National Citizen Service, the 16-year-olds under the guidance of their team leader and mentor cleaned and repainted the decking, fencing and picnic tables, re-planted the pots and pruned and weeded the garden.
National Citizen Service is a government initiative aimed at helping young people from all backgrounds work together, take on new challenges and make a difference.
The personal social development programme helps school leavers prepare for adulthood by developing the confidence and skills to become more engaged with their local communities and more active and responsible citizens.
The young people’s efforts will be recognised at a special re-launch event on Saturday, September 5 when members of the local community will be invited to inspect their handiwork and enjoy refreshments and children’s activities.
Community Hub Resource Worker Alma Dennison said: “The garden was in need of a bit of TLC, so we were delighted to be able to work with the young people to give it a new lease of life.
“They’ve worked wonders, so I hope local people will take the opportunity to pop along next month to see for themselves what a great resource they have on their doorstep.”
The re-launch will take place at the Community Hub @ Newport Settlement in St Paul’s Road on Saturday, September 5 from 1pm to 3pm. The event will feature face-painting and light refreshments and members of the local community are invited to attend.