Teenagers transform garden for children at Iceni Ipswich

Morgan Geller, 17, was among the group who completed the garden revamp at Iceni with the National Citizen Service

The work, in the garden at Iceni Ipswich in Foundation Street, was carried out by 12 16- to 17-year-olds as part of the National Citizen Service (NCS).

The group had to raise all funds required to buy the items they needed for the revamp, and with a sponsored 20 mile walk and bucket collection in Ipswich town centre managed to double their £500 fundraising target in just two days.

In addition, they managed to secure donations of paint from Crown Paints and tyres to be used as flower pots from Ipswich Tyre and Exhaust Centre.

The garden now boasts brightly coloured fencing and plants, with seating areas and toys for the children of families who use Iceni services.

The group used old tyres to create flower pots in the garden at Iceni Ipswich. Pictured is Phoebe chambers

Morgan Geller, 17, from Hadleigh, said: “I know people who have dealt with similar situations that Iceni support so I thought it would be really nice to spread awareness for them.

“I feel really proud, we have done so much.”

Brian Tobin, chief executive of Iceni Ipswich, said: “I’m just so impressed. They have come together and produced a fantastic garden for our children.

“Raising £1,000 in two days at their tender age is just fantastic.

“This garden will last for a year or two, so it’s a bit of a legacy.

“It’s just fantastic to see young people get some credit.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, who visited the garden on Friday, said: “It’s really exciting to see young people so energised.

“They have done a great job here, both in raising the money to do this project, but also to complete something which is going to be really useful for people at the Iceni project.”