TEENAGERS have been getting their hands dirty to help build a community garden for their area.

Fifteen young people, aged between 13 and 17, have pulled together to help the Larches and Savick Community Association build a garden at the back of the new Community Link building, Stargate Drive, Preston.

In return for their efforts the association is rewarding the young people's hard work by giving them their own room to relax in with money for equipment.

Among the requests so far, the youngsters have asked for DJ mixing decks, Sony Playstations, televisions and DVD players. Members are also keen to decorate the room with caricatures of themselves.

Two young people will be appointed to represent the group at community meetings.

Andy Lee, chairman of the community association, said: "They are really eager to get stuck in.

"Young people get a bad press these days when it's usually the few that spoil it for the majority. I think it's great they are proving people wrong."

It is hoped the new community garden will include a large flower bed and water feature.

The project is expected to cost £5,000 to complete with cash hopefully coming from the Preston Community Chest, part of the Preston Community Network helping communities get involved and have their say.

But Mr Lee believes the initiative is worth every penny. "A lot of people are really excited about the new centre," he said. "We have lots of plans to run events and activities so everyone gets to know each other better, especially when we have barbecues in the summer."

Offers of help have not been short. Local councillors have already volunteered to hold surgeries, local health visitors hope to give out advice to those wanting it and the police said they will help get the centre up and running.

The Community Link centre will be officially unveiled on Thursday, February 28.