LITTLE hands will be able to make a big mess at a Darlington nursery thanks to the hard work of unemployed young people.

The garden at the Borough Road Nursery School has been revamped by a group of 11 people as part of a Prince’s Trust project.

As part of a personal development programme, the 16 to 25-year-olds worked through heavy downpours to transform the nursery’s mud kitchen and to give the garden an overhaul.

Thanks to their efforts, youngsters at the nursery can explore a garden that now includes a story corner, play house and pond area.

Bradley Brooklyn was part of the group that braved the adverse conditions to volunteer throughout the project.

The 21-year-old, from Darlington, said: “Everyone worked together to get the job done.

“It is nice to know that we are doing something to help the community.”

Fellow volunteer Shawn Howard, 24, said the project had enabled him to develop a host of skills.

He added: “This course really brings you out of your comfort zone. It helps you to find new skills that you didn’t know you had.”

The ambitious community-orientated project was completed in just two weeks, with materials supplied by Jewson Limited.

Prince’s Trust team leader, Mark Hamilton, said: “The team project helps get young people back in to the community and gives them the chance to help make a real difference.

“At the same time, they are building their team skills and confidence and it can help them develop a real work ethic.”

The nursery school pupils will benefit enormously from the new facility, according to head teacher Julia Thompson.

Ms Thompson said: “We have a lot of children who have special needs and many from deprived backgrounds.

For all of our youngsters to have this facility, is amazing.

‘For some children, the garden is their prime learning environment.

“It gives them so much freedom, space to use their muscles and that in itself helps to develop the brain.

“The group has worked really hard, they have definitely learnt about team work and there have been some real grafters among them.”

As reported in June, the nursery is currently consulting on the prospect of merging with the George Dent Nursery School, which could result in the two nurseries operating under a single leadership structure.

  • The Prince’s Trust offers a variety of programmes for young people. For more information, visit princes-trust.org.uk.