A project encouraging Aire Valley schoolchildren to build relationships with businesses has been deemed a great success.

Five year 11 pupils from Titus Salt School, Baildon, have been working alongside business bosses to enhance the environment while gaining qualifications.

The students have carried out work across the area, including clearing ivy and planting bulbs at community woodland area Fernie-hurst Dell, improving a community allotment and bulb planting at Baildon.

The work has led to pupils Luke Welch, Robert Yates, Adam Moffitt, Rhys Ramsden-Stone and Ben Ostryzniuk being awarded a National Open College Network qualification.

The project, initiated by school and youth project Turning the Corner, began in September and culminated in a presentation of planters to two businesses – Trench House Stores and Corner House – who have signed a YES Pledge to say they are a ‘young person- friendly establishment’.

Turning the Corner is an initiative delivered by Groundwork Leeds and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, and aims to challenge negative perceptions and attitudes between businesses and young people. Fran Arkley, senior youth worker, said: “The students have been able to gain new skills and qualifications, while getting experience of a working routine in preparation for leaving school.”

Pupil Luke Welch said: “The jobs we’ve done, like planting, clearing, digging, building and joinery have really been great and have all given me new skills.”

  • Read the full story Friday’s T&A