Community service probationers have helped transform the gardens of a Douglas primary school.

And as a thank you, Willaston School raised money through a cake sale so that the community service team could buy new gardening equipment.

The school’s administrator, Julie Slater, said the probationers had been incredibly busy painting the play bin as well as the outdoor classroom and fences.

They have also given the school garden a good tidy up ready for the spring bulbs to come through.

A spokesman for the probation service said: ’We were very pleased to be asked to assist the school in enhancing the outdoor facilities available to the children.

’In utilising the community service groups to achieve this, we have been further able to develop the skills of the teams.

’This type of works gives the offender a project to take ownership of and they can be proud of what they have achieved to benefit the school.

’We would encourage any other school who would like out assistance to contact the probation department on 687324.’