STAFF from DLO Andover have transformed the Longmeadow Hall in Andover as part of their work with the community.

The warrant officers and sergeants mess provided a large team of volunteers to spend the day refurbishing the hall, used by the Andover Family Learning Project.

Throughout the day, they renewed the dcor and added some new fittings to the well-used amenity as part of DLO's on-going pledge to help the community with projects requiring practical skills and teamwork.

On this occasion, a group of volunteer pupils from Harrow Way School also helped out with the work.

Volunteers Robyn Toon and Zara Hart said: "It's been great fun and we've loved helping with the decorating, something we've never done before.

"At first we were a bit scared about what we'd have to do but the team from Andover have been really helpful and friendly. If we get the chance, we definitely want to help again."

Jean Lannie, co-ordinator of the Family Learning Project, added: "We are so grateful to the people from DLO for the fantastic makeover.

"The whole job was done in one day with amazing organisation and good spirit.

"We asked the first set of parents who came in the morning after and some of their comments were 'the best thing ever', 'it's so bright and much nicer' and 'we cannot believe it's the same room'.

"Part of the ethos of the project is to raise self-esteem and community involvement.

"First impressions are extremely important and by welcoming people into a warm and inviting environment within the area they live, the process begins."