OUT-of-work 16 to 25-year-olds have been helping improve a river rescue base in Arley.

The Prince’s Trust team, organised through Worcester College of Technology, has painted and renovated the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) building.

John Cairns, chairman of SARA, said: “We are very grateful to these young people and the college for the work they have put in to the station.

“This could not have happened at a better time for us, as we are in the process of changing the station about, so to have it painted for us while the majority of equipment was elsewhere is fantastic.

“This also proves that young people will carry out good work and do not deserve negative comments.”

SARA volunteers work alongside West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, responding to emergency distress calls on the River Severn.

The Prince’s Trust team is using the project with SARA as a contribution to its 12-week personal development programme, designed to give unemployed volunteers skills to help them gain work or further education.

To get the qualification, they are required to spend two weeks working to improve the local community.

Other tasks on the course include voluntary work placements, spending time with the emergency services and working with the elderly.

For more information about the Prince’s Trust programme, call the team on 01905 424132.