Young people have worked wonders on an outdoor space at The Vibe Youth and Community Centre in Dagenham to transform it into an incredible community garden.

Youngsters from the Flipside and Peer Support Group (PSG) youth clubs came together to create the new garden, which features raised beds to grow produce and a wildflower garden to attract wildlife.

After months of lockdowns, the group decided that they needed a project that was healthy for their bodies and minds.

“We’re really proud of what they have achieved and are looking forward to them being able to enjoy the fruits of their labour as the produce grows.”

Health Youth Worker, Grace Kihu, who helped to lead the project said: “The group worked incredibly hard together to achieve their aim of creating a new garden.

“It was great physical exercise for them, as we had to clear the outdoor space to make room for their new plans.

“We’re really proud of what they have achieved and are looking forward to them being able to enjoy the fruits of their labour as the produce grows.”

The group is now looking to put their artistic talents to use, by decorating the new raised beds. They are also compiling a recipe book to make the most of their home grown produce.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “I’m delighted to see our young people making a difference to their local area.

“Gardening is a fantastic way of keeping active and mentally healthy and it will be especially rewarding for the group to watch it grow after the enormous amount of hard work they have put in.

“Well done to the staff and young people involved in this amazing transformation.”