UNEMPLOYED youngsters from Dudley who helped make improvements to their community were recognised at a recent awards ceremony at Saltwells Education Centre in Holly Hall.

They all completed a 12 week Prince's Trust personal development programme which is designed to help them turn their lives around.

The programme attempts to help the youngsters improve their confidence and self esteem through a range of outdoor activities, community work and work experience.

As part of the programme, the youngsters spent two weeks transforming the gardens at Nethercrest Nursing Home.

They planted a vegetable patch and herb garden, installed solar lights, wind chimes and flowers baskets to create an oasis of calm for the residents.

The youngsters raised the money to fund the project themselves by sitting in a bath of baked beans at ASDA supermarket in Brierley Hill. They also organised a sponsored leg wax and car wash.

In addition to that, they also helped to spruce up and publicise Saltwells Nature Reserve.