YOUNG people taking part in the National Citizenship Service worked hard during their summer holiday to tidy up two of Uttlesford District Council’s sheltered housing scheme gardens.

Newcroft in Saffron Walden and Barkers Mead in Little Hallingbury benefited from the service, when young people aged 16 and 17 chose them as their community project.

UDC’s portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Julie Redfern, said: “This is a wonderful scheme because not only the young people benefit from it but our residents do, too.

“The garden is always a lovely place to spend time and relax. These young people’s hard work will improve this even further and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.”

Resident Marion Morranda provided refreshments for the team whilst they worked at Barkers Mead, while residents Ganesh Thapa, Ann Guillenet and Brenda Clark lent a hand out at Newcroft.

Vicky Wrenne, the youth Worker leading this group, said: “They were all lovely to work with and were all delighted to see the difference that their project had made. We were all very happy to make such a difference to all the residents.”

For more information on the National Citizen Service scheme, visit catch-22.org.uk