A POPULAR youth centre in Ravenscroft had a major transformation with the help of apprentices from Serco.

The eight-strong team spent a day earlier this month redecorating The Base Youth Centre. They gave the walls a fresh coat of paint, and planted flowers and shrubs outside.

The centre attracts around 200 young people aged 7-18 each week from Hook and the surrounding area. Activities include sports, recreation, education and personal development.

Serco’s Becky Namiha, who attended the youth centre when she was younger, said: “It was a real pleasure to give something back to the local community. The day was packed full of activities and everyone worked hard to help spruce up the youth centre.”

The apprentices are now hoping to establish a lasting partnership between The Base and Serco. The company’s headquarters is in Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook.

Sara Wise, youth centre manager, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team for such a fantastic effort. The Base looks much brighter, and I’m confident the children will love it as much as I do. They all worked so hard and it’s very much appreciated.”

The apprentices hope the community project will earn them extra points in the South West regional heats of the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, as they bid to become the apprentice team of the year.