A team from The Prince's Trust has completed a two week community challenge redecorating the art room and dining area at Parkgate Community Centre in Southwold Road, Watford, home of the charity DRUM (Disability Recreation Unity Movement).

The volunteers stripped back the old paint off the original wood wall panelling around the room and sanded and stained all the wood. They then painted the ceiling and walls.

The youngsters raised the funds for the project themselves by bag packing at Tesco.

They were also supported by Sean Mahon from Travis Perkins’ Rickmansworth Branch, who donated decorating equipment and paint.

Sean also arranged for the art room floor to be professionally cleaned once the decorating was finished in time for the hand over presentation attended by Watford MP Richard Harrington on Friday.

Sean is one of the two Dragons supporting DRUM and Team Oracle from Rickmansworth School in this year's Dragons' Apprentice Challenge.

This is the third Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service-backed team from the Prince's Trust that have worked with DRUM, either on a community challenge or by completing work experience placements with the charity.

Three youngsters, from the previous two teams, have remained at DRUM as regular volunteers which helped two of them find full time work.

DRUM Manager Sarah Sullivan said: "Our staff and members have been overwhelmed by the support received from the Prince's Trust. "The youngsters have worked incredibly hard and the end result is so much better that we could have ever imagined. "It is always a pleasure having the youngsters here and we cannot thank them enough for all their hard work."

The MP said: "When I first spoke to Herts Fire and Rescue Service about the project last year, and they mentioned helping some local charities, I did not hesitate in recommending DRUM who do such excellent work in the local community.

"Seeing how far this has come is really incredible, the young people taking part in the Princes Trust scheme have helped transform the community centre and it is obvious to anyone setting foot there just how much this means to the service users"

For further information on the Prince's Trust contact Joanne Todd, Prince's Trust Team Manager Tel: 01707 292632 or mob: 07717 355187 and email: joanne.todd@hertfordshire.gov.uk