RESIDENTS of a sheltered housing scheme in March celebrated the opening of a newly renovated communal garden - thanks to the efforts of five teenagers.

The five boys - students at Neale-Wade Community College, in March, and Cromwell Community College, in Chatteris - spent every Thursday throughout the summer term landscaping and gardening at Fleming Court.

Calling themselves the “Cromwade Crew”, the Year 9 students constructed and painted flower troughs, put up garden benches and laid paving as part of the work experience placement with Roddons Housing Association.

A cakes and coffee morning was held last Wednesday to allow the proud youngsters to present their work to residents, teachers and Roddons staff.

Wendy Coles, Community and Projects Officer for Roddons, who presented each student with a certificate, said: “Following the Team Thomas project with youngsters in Wisbech last year, we are really pleased to be working with young people from two other schools in Fenland.

“This type of initiative gives them the chance of some work experience which they might not otherwise have.

“Roddons Housing Association is passionate about enhancing the life chances of residents and projects like this have a positive effect on everyone involved.”

It was the fourth time Roddons had run a work experience placement for Fenland pupils, with 16 young people having completed the programme.