­AN exciting programme improving the employment prospects of youngsters made its members a little more green-fingered last week.

Youngsters taking part in the Team programme were working at the Okehampton Community Garden last week, using recycled wood from the old Okehampton Cottage Hospital to make raised beds, create a sensory herb garden and create a self-contained composting and recycling area.

The group also constructed the garden's brand new chicken houses and storage shed, and crushed cans to raise money for the project.

The Team programme for 16 to 25 year olds is a 12-week personal development course run by the Prince's Trust in conjunction with Torridge Training Services.

The project offers young people the chance to improve their career opportunities through two weeks of work experience, career advice, community projects, and practical skills.

One of the youngsters taking part is Jane Coomber. She said: 'It has been really fun. I helped build the sensory garden, and it has been brilliant, I love it.

'I have made lots of new friends, and I am looking forward to doing work experience at my own primary school soon.'

Participants also get to take part in an action-packed residential week on Dartmoor, and at the end of the programme will have a nationally recognised qualification that could improve employment options. The programme also does not affect job seeker's allowance payments.

Team leader Alex Cooley said: 'The team donned their work gloves and have worked hard since being up here. They seem to have really enjoyed it, are all getting along well, which helps, and are benefitting from the programme.'

Following two weeks of work experience, the team is looking to get involved with further work in the community.

For more information on the programme, call team leader Alex Cooley on 07595 206524 or Torridge Training Services on 01237 479491.