A NEW community garden in Huncoat has been created by apprentices and students.

The new garden, in the grounds of Community House, was the work of green-fingered youngsters from Hyndburn Homes and Hyndburn Homes Repairs, as well as 16 students from North Lancashire Training Group, and local residents.

They teamed up to transform the empty land, in Windermere Avenue, into a community garden, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which ended on Friday.

The garden will feature dedicated areas for the community to grow their own fruit and vegetables, as well as a compost bay, a polytunnel, water butts and a dedicated seating area for residents. Community investment offcer at Hyndburn Homes, Elaine Embley, said: “The event provided an ideal opportunity for our apprentices to act as mentors and give North Lancashire Training Group students an insight into community work and their experiences of life as an apprentice.

"The Community Garden will mean that local residents of all ages, who enjoy the outdoors.

“And any interested in growing their own food, can learn new skills, join in gardening activities and make new friends.”

The garden sits in the grounds of a new Community House.

It was recently renovated, thanks to funding from Hyndburn Homes’ sister organisation, Contour Homes, which provides housing in other parts of Lancashire.

At the event, the apprentices worked with students throughout the day, also offering mentoring and advice on apprenticeship opportunities. Vicky Smith, the work express programme leader at North Lancashire Training Group, said: “Getting involved with community events via Hyndburn Homes allows the young people on our study programme the opportunity to get valuable work experience with skilled workers and apprentices.”

The new garden was funded by Hyndburn Homes and Jewsons.

With additional contributions from Seddon, which provided fencing, and local charities Groundworks and the Prospects Foundation.