OAKLANDS College students got into the Christmas spirit when they gave Welwyn's Pomegranate Café a much-needed makeover.

The group of learners studying on the college's Go4ward programme - designed to engage local youngsters who are not in employment, education or training - redecorated the cafe from top to bottom.

Sally-Ann Williams, lecturer at Oaklands, said: "Decorating the Pomegranate Café has been a great charitable community activity for the students to be a part of in the run up to Christmas.

"They have had the chance to learn basic painting techniques, whilst at the same time develop leadership and team working skills.

"They all really enjoyed working there and felt a great sense of achievement in completing the re-decoration within in just a few days."

The Go4ward programme gives students aged 16 to 18 the chance to enhance their employment skills and experience vocational taster sessions in a range of areas including: beauty therapy, sport, hospitality, childcare, construction, health and social care.

The programme gives youngsters the chance to realise their potential through an intensive personal development programme which helps them set out their career goals.

Participants also have the opportunity to gain work experience in their chosen field and then progress onto further education, employment or an apprenticeship.

Phil Johnson, volunteer manager at the Pomegranate Café, said: "The café looks amazing, it was starting to get quite run down but it's now bright, fresh and clean to start the New Year. Even our customers have said that it looks fantastic.

"We really appreciate Oaklands students for lending a hand at Christmas, as without their help, we wouldn't have been able to afford to get the work done."

The Pomegranate Café is based at the Woodhall Community Centre. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am until 2pm.