CELEBRITY gardener Simon Cross started working with youngsters yesterday to transform a piece of wasteland.
The teenagers will work with the Tyne Tees and GMTV gardener to turn the 30ft x 70ft derelict plot of land into a garden and sitting area.
The Redcar and Cleveland Council-owned land adjoins Eston Leisure Centre and Middlesbrough FC's football academy football courts in Eston.
It is hoped that 16 pupils, aged 14 to 16, from Freebrough Community College will eventually earn qualifications for their work designing and transforming the land.
Construction company Rok has already completed remedial work on the land free of charge.
Jackie Hampton, spokesman for Freebrough College, said: "This project is great for the kids and really shows the community working together to make it happen. Simon Cross will be coming down regularly to oversee the project and help really enthuse the youngsters. All we need now is sponsorship for the tools."
Kevin Bowes, director of Spotlight Training, which works with youngsters on alternative education courses and helps them gain qualifications, said it was a very worthwhile project.
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