A CHARITY has thanked a green-fingered businessman for helping young people's talents to blossom.

Andrew Legge, who co-owns Castle Gardens in Bishop Auckland Market Place, regularly takes on students from the town's Prince's Trust groups.

He works with them to grow flowers and vegetables at the gardens as part of a two-week work placement towards their personal development.

Mr Legge has taken a youngster from every group for more than three years, many of them who have had learning difficulties or behavioural problems.

Jo Hull, the Prince's Trust team leader for Bishop Auckland, said: "Some of them have never been in a working environment before, so for him to take on young people who are in that position and keep them engaged is brilliant.

"We have to fight for whatever support we can get from the community so we are really grateful to people like Andrew."

The latest youngster he has worked with is 16-year-old Jonathan Hammond, who said he enjoyed the experience.

"I loved coming down here," he said. "You don't get a lot of opportunities to do something like this."

Mr Legge, who is a partner alongside his brother, Ian, said: "I enjoy helping people and working here gives them the chance of working outside."

Castle Gardens is open to the public. The Prince's Trust, which is run in partnership with Bishop Auckland College, will soon be looking for 16 to 25-year-olds to join its latest group.