For years the garden at the rear of St Mary’s Church in Arnold, Nottinghamshire was strewn with litter, bottles and needles.
Three young DofE participants, who attended St Mary’s youth club, decided that it was time to clear up the mess and to get the garden back to looking its best.
Twins Richard and Thomas Akers, 16, and Matt Lyons, 15, set about the task as part of their DofE programmes.
Richard and Thomas, who both attend Arnold Hill Academy, and Matt, a pupil at Colonel Frank Seely School, applied to Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme for funding. The application was supported by local councillor Ged Clarke and the boys were off and running.
Thomas said: "It was obvious for some time that something had to be done with the garden as it was a real eyesore.
"We wanted local people to have somewhere picturesque to go and sit and we were so determined to do a good job.”
The initial work involved litter picking, removal of dead trees, shrub and ivy clearance, picking up bottles and needles.
"Lots of volunteers turned up and the local cubs also helped out,” said Matt.
The next stage was drawing up plans and designing the new garden layout.
The funding was put towards benches and a picnic area. A special tree and bulb planting session was held which was attended by Coun Clarke and the county council’s deputy chairman Carol Pepper.
Con Clarke commented: "What a tremendous effort by the three boys. This really does show the very best side of today’s youth and the finished garden is a tremendous tribute to all their efforts.”
Vicar of St Mary’s Church Rev Ken Shill also congratulated the boys and said so many local groups, residents and parishioners had commented on the transformation.
"Everyone is over the moon with what the boys have achieved here,” Rev Shill said.
"It’s been lovely seeing the garden take shape and it should look a picture in the spring when all the bulbs come through.”
Story courtesy of www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk