YOUNG people joined forces with residents in Radcliffe to help generate community funding.

Pupils from Spring Lane School – who are unable to participate in mainstream schools – worked with residents at Redbank extra care scheme to make and sell craft items.

Older residents passed on valuable skills and knowledge on the design and the creation of various items, including clay models and drawings.

Items created were then sold to generate an income for future sessions, teaching the young, budding entrepreneurs valuable skills linked to enterprise.

By the final session, the group had made a surplus £100 which will be used by Redbank tenants to run the additional social activities for the 44 people living in the scheme.

Sharon McCambridge, chief executive from Six Town Housing, said: “Not only did the sessions help young people pick up essential, work based skills, but it promoted inclusion and helped break down barriers between ages.”

Liz Hollick, youth worker from Milltown House, said: “The project has proven very positive for both students and residents of Redbank and many friendships have been formed.

“There are significant issues faced by adolescents and the senior members of the community and many of these are common issues.

“The two loneliest groups of people in Britain today are on the one hand the over 70’s, and on the other, the 14-24 year olds.”

The project, named Young In Mind, is the result of partnership work between Six Town Housing, Milltown House Pupil Referral Unit and Redbank Tenant and Residents Association.