CHILDREN at a Southampton school are enjoying a brand new wildlife conservation area thanks to the volunteer work of 15 young unemployed people.

The volunteers from Southampton took part in a 12-week personal development programme organised by The Prince's Trust during which time they completed the garden at Springhill Primary School in Hill Lane.

The project cost more than £1,000 and all the money needed was raised by the group through a range of fundraising events including car washing and a sponsored abseil. Charlotte Jess at the Prince's Trust said: "It has been so fantastic to see young people working together in this way to create something for others to enjoy.

"This is a very strong hard-working team. It shows when you look at how much they have raised for the community and how hard they have worked to get the project completed on time."

Head teacher at Springhill, Patricia Phelan said: "We are absolutely delighted. The volunteers have done a super job. They have even provided benches for the children to sit on while enjoying the environmental area they have created.

"They have made a very attractive area using and providing trees, bulbs and plants. It will be used by the children in both their science and environmental work."