Youngsters dig in to provide makeover

Youngsters from Sparth Community Centre brighten up their local area. Among those there to congratulate them on their efforts are Police Community Support Officers Martyn Beever and Tracey Anderton, and Cabinet Member Councillor Terry Linden (far left)

The area around Sparth Community Centre in Rochdale will be looking extra colourful this summer thanks to the efforts of local young people.

The youngsters have been brightening up the area with an array of attractive plants – and learning how much fun a spot of gardening can be in the process.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that young people in Sparth have shown such a sense of pride in their local community and helped to make the area more pleasant for everyone.

“Caring for the environment can also be extremely satisfying and it’s great that the youngsters are experiencing this at such an early age.”