STUDENTS from Melksham Oak Community School have been getting crafty painting stones to represent residents at Brookside Residential Care Home.

They are then going to be placed in the care home’s garden as a reminder of all the people who have lived there.

Nine year ten students volunteered their free-time on Saturday to come up with the designs after talking with the residents for inspiration. They also got their hands dirty and did some gardening and planting as well as preparing an area ready for a new pond to be built.

All of this is part of The Princes Award, launched by charity SkillForce, which recognises the contribution young people make in their community and is named after Prince William who is also the charity’s patron.

The charity already works with several schools in the county to inspire young people to achieve at school and succeed in life by drawing upon the skills and values of ex-forces personnel.

The students will receive a certificate in a presentation later this year. Instructor John Crew said: “The students were very enthusiastic to take part and give up their own time at the weekend to help out.

"They were very pleased at what they had achieved at the care home and are looking forward to completing the challenge by planting the seeds next weekend."