Catch 22 College in Swindon received a makeover thanks to a volunteering programme between home improvement retailer Wickes, and social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself.

Catch 22 is a social business that runs alternative provision centres across the country to support vulnerable young people who have struggled in traditional education settings.

As part of an ongoing partnership between VIY and Catch 22, eight students from the college worked with two VIY mentors to redecorate their classrooms.

Lead mentor Imran Younas said: "It’s been great to work with these young people to transform their college, making it a brighter space for them and their fellow class mates.

"It’s also provided them with invaluable practical skills and qualifications which will help them in the future.”

The students gained City & Guild accreditations in painting and decorating through their involvement in this project, which will give them a step up when looking for training and employment once they leave college.

The Wickes Extra store in Swindon supported the project by donating all of the tools and materials needed to carry it out.

The shop also covered the cost of hiring professional tradespeople to act as mentors on the ground who helped the volunteers.

Several Wickes colleagues visited the project, including store manager Jamie Townsend, to lend a hand and a bit of their expertise.

Catch 22 centre manager Nikki Barnet said: “What a fabulous week we’ve had with VIY.

"Eight of our students spent the time redecorating their classrooms and with the support of the mentors, have done an amazing job.

"It was great to watch them really get stuck in, and the place looks fresh and clean all ready to go for the new academic year.

"In fact, it looks so good we may have to have them back to do the other rooms.”