YOUNG people got stuck into painting and gardening when they gave up their time to help out at the Salvation Army's latest project in Bradford.

The Orchard, which opened last month, aims to link the local community with specialised staff to support homeless people across the city.

As part of a programme run by Missional Generation, an organisation that brings young people and churches together in Bradford and Leeds, the youngsters worked for four days at the Leeds Road base.

They also volunteered to help with coaching at football academy at the Salvation Army’s Wibsey Corps.

Julie Schmidt, service manager at The Orchard, said: "The Orchard is all about working together as a community, alongside professionals, to make a difference and it's been wonderful to see the young people working together with residents here.

"It’s a great example of how this approach can enrich the lives of young people as well as the residents.”

In recognition of the work carried out by the young people they presented a plaque which included a quote from the bible.

Ben Jones, of Missional Generation, said: "Volunteering at projects like The Orchard and the football academy at Wibsey is proving to be life-changing for the young people taking part. Our Twitter and Facebook feeds have been buzzing with positive comments as participants have been sharing their experiences of working and befriending people from all walks of life.

"We would like to thank The Salvation Army for all the support they have shown us."

The work the young people did included painting and gardening. It was supported by Bradford Community Repaint, a charity which accepts donations of paint from businesses and residents before reselling it back to the public, charities and community groups at a reduced price.

Mrs Schmidt added: "We're delighted with the work carried out by Missional Generation and believe the plaque will serve as a reminder of what we aim to achieve here, both for those who give up their time to volunteer and residents. Hope plays an important part in the work of the Salvation Army and as a result the plaque resonates deeply with us as it embodies our ethos that people should hope and can look to us for support.”

At the football academy, pupils at Wibsey Primary School, along with the Salvation Army's Zone youth club, took part in a four-day programme that ended with a tournament on the final day.

Captain Wayne Price, commanding officer at Bradford Citadel, said: "The soccer school was a great success and we are very grateful to the young people from Missional Generation for giving up their time. It's a great example of what can be achieved when the community works together."