SCENES reminiscent of eighties television programme Challenge Anneka can be seen in Preston over the next fortnight as a community centre gets a makeover.

The main hall in The Unity Centre, in Shepherd Street will get the full works from a group of volunteers from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Prince's Trust.

The centre, used by the city's Asian and Caribbean community, was chosen out of three venues as most in need of some tender loving care. It will burst into life with a fresh lick of paint and possibly even a painted mural or graffiti art.

The 11-strong group, all aged between 16 and 25, include offenders, ex-offenders and people who are homeless, disabled and employed.

They joined the 12-week scheme hoping for a new start in life and the training will include exercises to encourage team and confidence building as well as personal development.

Team member, Carl Entwistle, 24, who is coming to the end of his sentence at Kirkham Prison, said: "This project is all about getting a new start in life.

"It will give me a qualification and I will hopefully be able to make something of myself.

"I'm really excited about the project. I can't wait to give it a new look and make it look better for the people using it."

The group will have just two weeks to transform the building before the handing it back on September 24.

This week Carl and his team mates, who will all receive a City and Guild qualification, have been rallying around local businesses for support.

Next week they will roll their sleeves up and start work, with some of them learning new skills and trying things they have never done before.

Nicola Valverali, team leader at the Prince's Trust, said: "It's a great project for them to get involved in and it help with key life skills.

"By the end they feel a lot more confident and like they have achieved something which is brilliant."