YOUNG people on a personal development course have been praised for their efforts after completing a community project.

The 12 youngsters from Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland fitted out a sensory room at a Dorset Residential Homes’ facility in Weymouth for people with profound learning and physical disabilities.

The team also did some work in the garden, creating some raised beds to make it more accessible for wheelchair users.

The project was undertaken as part of their Prince’s Trust course.

The 12-week programme delivered in partnership with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is for 16-25 year olds not in full-time work, education or training.

Through a series of activities, it aims to give young people the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams while working towards a nationally recognised award.

Participants, who come from a variety of backgrounds, get the chance to go on a residential trip, undertake a project in the community, complete a work placement and take part in a team challenge.

At the end of the course they will make their final presentations to an audience, something which course leader Andy Dukes describes as ‘probably the hardest part of the programme.’ Mr Dukes said a lot of thought went into the projects to create the sensory room and improve the garden area.

The teams also did some fundraising to finance the project including bag packing at Asda. To support the fundraising, a virtual dog racing event will be taking part at the Belvedere Inn, Weymouth, on March 26 at 7.30pm to which everyone is invited.

Mr Dukes said: “I was really impressed by how they worked on the project and the young people were quite rightly very proud of themselves with the finished product. It took a lot of research and planning, and an awful lot of hard work.”

Mr Dukes added: “We’re halfway through the course now and I’ve seen a huge improvement in how the young people work together and as individuals.”

Prince’s Trust courses are run throughout the year in Dorset. For more information call 01305 753035.