A team of young people taking part in a major local youth development programme have unveiled their hard work and transformation of a community allotment.

The group, who are taking part in the Prince’s Trust Team Programme have spent the last week creating a sheltered mud kitchen at Firth Park community allotment.

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is being delivered by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and South Yorkshire Police from Elm Lane fire station. Team Programme is a 12 week course for unemployed 16 to 25 year olds, offering work experience, qualifications, practical training and a residential development week.

The programme encourages the young people to nominate their own community project, with those on the current scheme choosing to transform this well loved community allotment for the local people.  The outdoor sheltered kitchen area has been upgraded with lighting and a growing roof which will enable local people to continue using the facility as the nights draw in.

The group were able to fund the transformation after raising cash from a car wash and coffee morning the week before.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Team Leader John Daley said: “Team Programme is about more than simply boosting young people’s employment skills. It gives them hope, confidence and the opportunity to make a difference.

“The community project the young people have been involved in is the perfect proof of what they can achieve and the self-belief which they can transfer to their future lives.”