YOUNG people in Jurby have spent the last nine months revamping and revitalising an old BMX track which had fallen into disrepair.

The teenagers were taking part in a Leadership in the Community (LinC) Scheme which is run in partnership by The Children's Centre and Friends Provident International.

The scheme helps local people gain the skills they need to become future community leaders.

Janet Bailey, head of community services at The Children's Centre, said: "Young LinC is a very practical course which encourages young people to gain experience of the challenges of making things happen in their local community.

"Every project in the scheme involves learning lots of skills and helps youngsters to value themselves and understand that they too have a stake in the community."

The young people spent nine months designing and planning the new track as well as generating local support for the project.

Jonathan Hall, the general manager at Friends Provident International, opened the track on May 28.

He said: "This project demonstrates exactly why Friends Provident International has been so keen to support the LinC programme. 

"It is a great example of people using the skills they have acquired on the programme to make a tangible difference in their own community. It was great to see the pride which the children took in the achievements - a lesson to us all."

There will be another young LinC course in Peel over the summer holidays. For more information contact Janet Bailey on 01624 843762 or 07624 432437 or by e-mailing janet@thechildrenscentre.org.im.