Students have been putting their landscape gardening skills to the test by updating a community garden as part of their Prince’s Trust project.

The students, from Outwood Academy have been re-planting the community garden at Adwick fire station. They have planned the layout of the garden with assistance from Doncaster Council staff, who also provided many of the materials. Paths and borders which have lain overgrown and unused have been re-instated, flowers have been planted and the grass has been cut to provide a wildlife haven.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) are supporting Outwood Academy through the Safer Stronger Communities Reserve fund to run an engagement course for young people in conjunction with the Prince’s Trust.

The programme runs one day a week throughout the school year, targeting 15 students at risk of under achievement or exclusion. Students gain qualifications in personal development and employability skills, with modules covering teamwork, presentation skills, community work and group planning.

The Prince’s Trust XL Club is a nationally recognised programme having helped over 70,000 young people since 1998.

Arson Intervention Officer Andy Kirwan said; “The group has been working at Adwick station since September and have recently chosen the garden as a project. The kids have worked really well, with the support and supervision of the Doncaster Council team”.

PC David High who runs the scheme said, “The project has had a positive and direct impact on the attainment and behaviour of the pupils involved with support from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, Doncaster council and the local SNT. Fire service staff have delivered sessions on the consequences of fire setting, road traffic collisions and engaged with young people from the area who may have previously been involved with anti social behaviour”.