Friday 26th February was a big day for a group of pupils from Harrop Fold School and the team at GEARS+. 

At the end of September 2009 a group of young people from Harrop Fold started attending GEARS+ once a week, they were working towards the Skills Section of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Silver).  They decided to make a bench to go in a local park, having decided this is what they were going to do they had to set about designing and then making the bench.  Over ten weeks the young people gained many skills from this exercise including welding, grinding, painting, team working and problem solving, as well as a huge awareness of Health and Safety issues. 

Four of the group turned up to help GEARS+ team members Mike Ferguson and Jonathan Flynn install the bench at Peel Park.  Also present was Trish Bartlett (CEO,Gears+), Dave Eccleston (Special Projects Co-Ordinator,GEARS+) and representatives from Salford Youth Service who funded the project and  staff from Harrop Fold School and the Salford Ranger Team.  Despite the awful weather (it rained constantly) the bench was fully installed in time for the young people to get back to school before lunch time!

"This has demonstrated real partnership in action and highlights the positive contribution that young people make to their community" said Trish Bartlett.

An official ceremony to recognise the achievements of this project is planned for later in the year.

Go along to Peel Park in Little Hulton and see for yourself this magnificent piece of work.