Glistening paintwork and immaculate new flowerbeds were unveiled yesterday by a group of young volunteers.

Twelve young people, all members of a Prince’s Trust training scheme organised by the Watford YMCA, have spent the past three weeks at the Meriden Community Centre, in Garsmouth Way, Watford.

After raising more than £500 to buy materials and equipment, the team set about repainting play equipment, varnishing tables, cleaning up litter and planting new flower beds.

The results were unveiled yesterday at a presentation with Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and YMCA director of operations Ruth Ellis.

Team leader Jane Moraru said: “They worked really hard and proved that young people can give something back to the local community. They’ve really done an amazing job and we are delighted with the results.”

Nineteen-year-old project volunteer Senghan Carr, who signed up to the scheme after leaving college, expressed pride in what he had helped to achieve.

He added: “We were trying to better ourselves and give something back to the community.

“When we started we weren’t sure how it would turn out but I think it all looks really professional. We’re really pleased with the result.”