FIVE plucky Basingstoke teenagers handed over the keys to new resident Natalie Gadd, after renovating her new home as part of this year’s ‘Get With’ youth project.

‘Get With’ is a summer programme run by Sentinel and Everest Community College which invites children/teenagers from the local community to try out different activities – from sport and music to DIY and building works.

The lads helped bring the three-bedroom house in Milton Close, Popley, up to scratch with a new kitchen and redecoration, under the supervision of Sentinel Housing Association’s maintenance contractor MITIE.  The month-long project was just one of 40 free activities on offer as part of the ‘Get With’ programme 09.

One of the lads who took part, James Gyles said: “It’s been really interesting, and I’ve learnt loads of new things about DIY. When we started, I never thought we’d get finished on time, but the most rewarding bit was seeing it all come together.”

MITIE Partnering Manager Richard Bartram added; “It can be quite challenging to get young people interested in construction, however during the ‘Get With’ DIY project we have seen some very committed hard working young people with a very positive attitude towards the work they were involved in. The project at Milton Close, Popley was not only completed on time, but also to a very good standard. The youths involved should all be very proud of what they have achieved.”

Sentinel Neighbourhood Manager Melissa Chapman added: “There’s a lot of fear and misunderstanding about young people today, but we’ve been overwhelmed with the positive attitude of the kids on all ‘Get With’ activities. We hope to add more interesting and unusual activities to the programme for next year, and hope more local organisations want to join us.”

‘Get With’ was set up by Sentinel in 2005 and this year saw over 500 local young people take part in a host of free activities, from cookery, street dancing, cycling proficiency, car mechanics, and a local X-Factor talent search.