Youngsters transform churchyard in village
A group of volunteers have helped to transform an empty churchyard into a haven for wildlife.
New features alongside St. Giles Church in Barlestone include a pond, pathways and a hedgehog house, making it the perfect home for creatures and critters.
The mammoth task was carried out by a volunteer team from the National Citizen Service (NCS), a voluntary, personal and social development programme for 15 to 17-year-olds in England and Northern Ireland.
The group of 13 green-fingered helpers from schools in Hinckley spent a week of their summer holidays transforming the disused garden into a relaxation spot for primary school children, the elderly and the villagers of Barlestone.
Cathie and John Watkins from Barle- stone Parish Council had planned the renovation, however they needed the help and support from the local community to complete the task.
The NCS stepped in and, in just under four days, the old gardens had been transformed into a place of tranquillity.
The team of helpers also helped to raise funds for the project by holding a cake sale and setting up a Go Fund Me page for people to sponsor their work.
Members of the public observed the project and praised the youngadults on their decision to free up their summer holiday to help towards the cause.
One villager said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to have them in the village, their manners were impeccable and they were a real credit to themselves and their parents.”