YOUNG people committed to making a difference for their community have put their gardening skills to the test for Operation Green Fingers.

Twenty members of the Redcar Police Cadets accepted the month-long challenge in a bid to ensure horticulture keeps relations blooming in rural areas.

The operation, which has transformed part of Marske’s Valley Gardens, also hopes to tackle isolation, particularly for those living in more remote areas.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, who funds the cadets, said: “Operation Green Fingers is an excellent way to bring everyone together from all ages and backgrounds to benefit our communities and to create a space for people to come together to enjoy.

“I visited the work in progress of the cadets and partner agencies and also attended the launch, and without the determination and help of Redcar Police Cadets and partner agencies, projects like this would not commence in our local areas.”

The cadets teamed up with the Tees Valley Rural Community Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Marske in Bloom, Longbeck Nurseries and RJ Fabrications to rejuvenate part of Valley Gardens in east Cleveland.

Redcar Cadet leader, Neil Robinson, said: “I am really proud of everyone’s joint effort. Everyone has dedicated their free time to benefit our communities and they have done such an excellent job.

“Members of the local community have thanked everyone involved for their hard work on post-it notes which is really kind of them and also very encouraging for the cadets to read for any future projects.”

Youth Focus, Clucking Pig, Marske Butchers, The Wynd Café and North-East businessman, Keith Rutherford and his team also contributed towards an open day held in September.

Volunteers collectively replaced plants and litters from a section of Valley Gardens to turn the space into a seaside themed area for everyone in the surrounding community to enjoy.

Thank you notes for the cadets following the garden makeover include one resident saying: “A fabulous garden to be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

“Lovely to see young and old working together and the community coming to celebrate.”