The Tenants' Association for Pettinger Gardens in St Denys has given some recent work to transform a garden by council apprentices a big thumbs up following a 'Make a Difference Day'.

A request from the association for a pergola to be built at Bellamy Court led to the initiative, which involved three trade apprentices from the council's housing team going with their mentors to create the structure.

And thanks to £500 from B&Q and wood donated by Wolseley, they were also able to build planters, a solid oak bench, bird boxes and a bird table. The money from B&Q purchased a water butt, water feature, an outdoor clock, a number of plants, hanging baskets, compost and solar powered lights. To keep the garden in good shape the Council's Open Spaces team donated bark and weed membrane.

'Great team'

Tenants' association treasurer Eileen Fielder wrote to the council and said: "First of all THANKYOU for our 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY' – it was absolutely brilliant and WHAT a difference you've all made!! After you had all gone we all sat out in the garden to reminisce about the day, we were all saying what a lovely group you were and how hard you all worked, it was a really good feeling, and to see all that you did for us today we are very lucky. You are a truly great team!!!!"

Apprentices who took part were: Mike Smith, Wendy Steward, Daryl Davies, Josh Barclay, Mark Anderson, Luke Wilsher, Stephen Thompson, Tom Glossop, Michael Adams and Hannah Whitman.