YOUNG people have been putting their gardening skills to good use as part of a community project.

Youngsters from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Prince’s Trust team have transformed the garden at Blackburn’s Salvation Army base in Bramwell House.

The area, in Heaton Street, has few places for the residents to sit and enjoy the nature, according to bosses.

The team aged from 16 to 25 have been responsible for all aspects of the project including the garden’s design, the labour and fundraising for materials. Three weeks after work began the garden now has a variety of plants, colours, and furniture which residents can relax in and enjoy.

Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Coun James Hirst opened the new garden.

He said: “This garden is a tremendous achievement and all the young people involved can be very proud of themselves.

“I hope the finished garden will brighten the lives of people staying at the Salvation Army and will keep them involved in the upkeep of the garden.”

To make the garden project a reality, the team, known as ‘Team 65’, carried out fund-raising in the community and received a big donation from Bank Top Neighbourhood Centre.

One team member said: “The programme gives us the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and help our community.

“It’s a brilliant way for all of us to work together as a team.

"Building the garden was great fun and it’s been a pleasure to help out the people at the Salvation Army.”

David Yates, manager at the organisation which provides temporary accomodations for people in the borough, said: “We’re extremely pleased with the project.

"It’s generated a very positive experience and created a lot of interest amongst the residents, visitors and staff.

“The residents have watched the work with anticipation and are all looking forward to spending more time in the garden.”