Hertfordshire’s young people have been giving back to their community with a Potters Bar gardening project.

A group of 31 teenagers from across the county have been taking part in community projects as part of the National Citizen Service project.

Projects included revitalising a run-down community garden at the Elm Court Youth Centre in Potters Bar.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Youth Connexions service supported the programme, in which young people choose a community cause and then plan, budget and raise funds to complete the project.

One girl who took part was Justine, 16, of Potters Bar. She said: "I think NCS is a great way to help out the community while having fun at the same time.”

Fellow team member Jade, 16, also of Potters Bar, added: “I think it’s a great way to get people together and helps young people to gain qualifications while doing something exciting and new.”

The group also responsible for redecorating a community hall in Bushey and cleaning up the area surrounding a care home and raising money for a primary school in Borehamwood.

Richard Roberts, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "This programme provides a wealth of benefits: the young people taking part learn new skills and have fun, and the local community benefits from their hard work and enthusiasm."