Around 50 students from Meadowgate Academy in Wisbech have benefitted from links with the local branch of Wickes.

An initiative has been organised by Volunteer It Yourself, a not-for-profit company that matches young people with professional trades people to learn new skills while improving their local area.

Students in years 10 and 11 refurbished and painted their outdoor picnic benches.

Emma Bird, sixth form coordinator for the school, said: “Sixth form students made a variety of wooden planters to brighten up the outdoor spaces around the school. “Three mentors from Volunteer It Yourself led the sessions and all the raw materials and equipment was supplied by the local Wickes store.

“Every student got fully involved, learning how to handle the tools safely and it was excellent to see the students problem solve amongst themselves, creating a strong sense of pride in the completed tasks.

“Experiences such as these, where young people can learn through “real life“ tasks is invaluable and enriches their learning.

“Meadowgate Academy would like to thank the team from Volunteer It Yourself for leading two excellent project days.

“Thanks too to Shane and Aaron who visited the project from the local Wickes store.

“We very much look forward to working more closely with the Wickes team to develop further projects that promote practical learning, raise aspirations and improve the employability of Meadowgate students.”