MP Sir Alan Haselhurst has rolled up his sleeves and ‘mucked in’ to help a group of local teenagers who have spent the last month giving up their time to make a difference in their community.

The group community project forms part of National Citizen Service, the largest youth programme in England. They have been learning new skills and with the advice of parish councillors set to work on transforming the garden of Stansted Day Centre.

Tackling walls covered in ivy, overgrown bushes and rocky soil, the group created a garden to be enjoyed by those attending the day centre with a red and white theme, chosen to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Sir Alan paid the group a visit to thank them for their efforts and planted the final perennial to complete the garden. He spoke about his work and what it is like to be an MP.

Elliott Olds, 17, from Saffron Walden, said: “It’s been a really good experience, I didn’t know any of the group before and I’ve made great friends. I think it will help me with lots in the future.”

National Citizen Service is funded by the Cabinet Office and has supported more than 100,000 young people across the country to learn new skills and give something back to their local community. For more details visit ncseast.co.uk.