Young people from Peel are going back to the ‘good life’ with a project that’s proving educational and fun. Peel Youth Centre, run by the Department of Education and Children, has taken an allotment in Ballagyr Lane in the town and young members will develop their horticultural skills. One – Queen Elizabeth II High School student Caleb Rossall, 14 – will gain a qualification with the Open College Network into the bargain. Tracy Jones, Youth and Community Worker, said gardening was both educational and healthy. ‘It is better to see young people working outdoors than playing on PlayStation or facebook,’ she said. ‘This will give youngsters a sense of achievement and something positive to focus on.’ Tracy said the project would encourage young people to ditch junk food in favour of healthy fair they have grown themselves. Popping out of the ground at present are potatoes, strawberries, leeks, beetroot, sweetcorn and spring onions. Britannia International has supported the project, purchasing wood, tools and plants. Staff worked alongside young people to clear weeds and produce raised beds. Mark Beresford, Managing Director of Britannia International, said: ‘The Peel allotment project forms an important part of our community work aimed at inspiring young people.’ The Youth Service is an accredited centre for the Open College Network – http://www.nocn.org.uk/Homepage/ – which offers flexible learning. Local young people have already gained qualifications in peer mentoring at school and sound and lighting skills for show production. Ends