A RUN-DOWN church entrance has been given a new lease of life thanks to a group of hard-working young people.

Eight unemployed 16 to 25-year-olds spent three weeks transforming the gates, steps, side patio and car park of Bridge Methodist Church in Milltown Street, Radcliffe.

They undertook the project as part of a 13-week Prince’s Trust programme, run in association with Groundwork, to give them the skills and confidence to find a job.

The team stripped rust and paint from the church’s cast-iron gates before repainting them, along with railings and steps.

They also cleared around 30 large bin bags of rubbish, fallen leaves, ivy and saplings weeds, grass and moss from the street-facing side patio and cleaned out the church’s cellar.

New plants were planted in the plant bed and a Christmas wreath was hung to give the building a festive feel.

Reverend Chris Haines said: “We have been delighted to have a group of great young people working around our church, clearing, painting and really making the place look much better.

“They have done a brilliant job.”

The young people, many of whom live in Radcliffe, with others from Bury and Bolton, came up with the project idea themselves.

One participant was 21-year-old Marcus Murphy, from Radcliffe. He said: “We got rid of all the moss on the ground, raked up all the leaves, picked up all the litter that was spread around the alleyway and finally we put plants in the plant bed to add a bit of colour and detail to the alleyway.

“It has been a really good experience.”

Another volunteer, 17-year-old Zoe Briscoe, from Radcliffe, has now been offered a work placement with the youth groups and mother and toddler groups run at the church.

Debra Madden, Prince’s Trust team leader for Radcliffe, said: “The team have really united for this task and put a lot of effort in – they have been amazing.

“Before they got to work, the area did look quite rundown, and lots of residents walking past have noticed the fantastic difference.

“The skills and experience they have gained will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the programme and beyond.”

New Prince’s Trust courses will be starting in Radcliffe, Bury and Bolton in the new year.

For more information: call Debra on 07850 310770 or email debra.madden@groundwork.org.uk