A GROUP of children in Pill have spruced up an area outside their homes with a flower bed, in an area that used to be a magnet for youths.

The children, led by St Julians high school pupil Daniel Johnston, 14, got involved with the project on James Street when it was started by another resident several years ago.

Every day, the teenager, along with his step-brother James Aldridge, 11 and their friend Jahim Kaid keep an eye on the 8ft wide and 25 long raised beds, opposite their homes.

This is because they put around 200 plants in, with the help of others, and take great pride in weeding and raking the area to keep it looking pretty.

Dad Matthew Aldridge said their family home does not have a garden, so the children have enjoyed getting involved with gardening in their community.

He said: "Daniel's chuffed to bits with it when he sees it looking nice. He shouts over to people to protect it and people come and sit there to look at the flowers now rather than hang around."

Daniel added: "It's nice, I just water and weed it. I like gardening with my friends and brother."