Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has praised a group of local young people who spent a week renovating a nature garden at Cedar Hall Special School in Thundersley as part of the new National Citizen's Program.

The National Citizen's Service brings together young people together from different backgrounds to tackle an outdoor challenge and then develop their own community project. The programme runs for three weeks, full time and has recruited young people from all over Castle Point to make a difference to their Borough.

The Cedar Hall Nature Garden renovation project was supported by a number of local businesses who donated raffle prizes and outdoor gardening materials to support the project.

Julie Gooding, the Essex County Council youth worker co-ordinating the project said:

"Young People chose to take part in the National Citizen Service volunteering their valuable time during the school holidays, and have raised funds through the support of local businesses in Hawkwell Hockley and Rayleigh to develop a nature garden at Cedar Hall School, Thundersley.

This project has provided an educational area, easier access to walk around the area, also provided additional seating to observe the wild life in their natural habitat including fish, newts and frogs in the pond, for the students who attend the school.

Staff from Essex County Youth Service who led the project cannot praise the young people enough for their commitment, dedication and hard work during the three weeks on the National Citizen Service scheme. The participants have gained confidence and achieved an accreditation as a result of the work they have carried out. "

Commenting on the project Rebecca Harris MP said "Having seen the project from the start and again at the finish, the transformation is amazing! These young people have done a remarkable job and given up a large part their summer holiday to help their community. They have really got stuck in and created something fantastic that local school children will enjoy for years".

The scheme is currently recruiting for their October half term project.  If you are age 16-17 and would like to take part in this scheme please contact julie.gooding@essex.gov.uk or call 07827255946 to book your place.