Durham County Council’s Clean and Green and Civic Pride teams will be working with Virgin staff and young people from the Haggrid group during a planting session on Wednesday 8 June.
Volunteers will be planting summer bedding in preparation of the judging of both Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom champion of champions.
Durham Agency Against Crime’s (DAAC) Haggrid group, supported by Durham Constabulary, work with young people on projects that have a positive impact on their local community. And by taking part in this project, the Haggrid group will be contributing to their Horticultural qualification.
Two years ago Dylan Etheridge became involved in the programme and worked with the In Bloom group in the station. He gained his NVQ horticultural qualification and is hoping to become a horticulture apprentice in September.
In November 2015 Dylan was rewarded with his environment award and currently volunteers when he can to teach other young people his skills.
Dylan said: “The HAGGRID project has helped me so much, giving me a positive direction in life, increasing my confidence and employment opportunities. This project has changed my life for the better.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships said: “It’s great to see all the efforts being made by so many people across the county.
“The Durham train station planting session is another great example of how hard volunteers, community groups and businesses work towards the In Bloom campaign.
“It’s clear to see that people take pride in their neighbourhood and that this campaign is bringing communities together to make our county more attractive.”