A PLANTER destroyed when a car crashed into it has been restored to its former glory.

Penhill youngsters Sam Jones, Annabelle Ward and Madison Price were part of a group of 22 young people who made the planter two years ago as part of Swindon Borough Council’s Young Wardens scheme.

But when a car collided with the large plant box near the junction with Cricklade Road and Grafton Road last month, all their hard work was left in tatters.

So Sam joined Annabelle and Madison, pupils at the Swindon Academy, and the council’s Neighbourhood Warden team this morning to help repaint the rebuilt planter and install the original sign, which was damaged in the collision.

Sam, 10, said he was only too happy to give up a morning of his school half-term to help with the project.

“I was really disappointed when I heard what happened. I was happy to help out today as I wanted to do something nice for the area,” he said.

Nine-year-old Annabelle said: “I was really upset when I heard the planter was destroyed. I like helping people so this seemed like a good thing to do.”

Claire Melrose, lead neighbourhood warden for Penhill and Stratton, was joined by colleagues Charlie Parker and Andrew Dell to help with the restoration project.

“We had to take the planter apart and rebuild it and the children are helping to paint it to bring it back to life,” Claire said.

“Wyevale Garden Centre in Stratton has very kindly offered to provide new plants and it is also providing plants for a similar project in the summer at the other entrance to Penhill.

"The children worked so hard to create this planter two years ago and we have had so much support from local residents, who are really glad we have put it back together again.”

The Young Warden scheme, which is free of charge for council tenants’ children aged between seven and 11, focuses on providing education, awareness raising and fun during the summer holidays.

The scheme, which has been running for the last five years, is run by the council’s Housing Neighbourhood Warden team, whose role is to work out and about in the community helping to keep estates safe and clean.

For information, email neighbourhoodwardens@swindon.gov.uk, or call 07824 537704.