THE groundbreaking renovation of a Kearsley house by youngsters of Bolton Lads and Girls Club is nearing completion.

A total of 100 members of BLGC are involved in the project which will see the home in Bolton Road, bought for £80,000 by the Hopkinson Foundation, done up, marketed and sold.

The Hopkinson Foundation was set up in memory of BLGC vice-chairman Nick Hopkinson's later father Peter to continue to work of the club in Bolton and his son was the driving force behind the launch of the scheme in October.

Eleven young men are working on the site under the supervision of BLGC enterprise manager Philip Burke, backed by project partners, Bolton construction firm Seddon, estate agent Miller Metcalfe and MA Brickwork Ltd.

"Already, three of the lads who have worked on the project have been placed into full-time employment and another eight will be taken on by the end of this month.

"Among others working behind the scenes are youngsters marketing the house using social media, carrying out environmental management, sales, procurement, project management and public relations.

"The most encouraging thing is that leaders in the business community have given up their time and materials to help."

One such person is MA Brickwork boss Mark Alder, who is also a patron of the club.

"We had a meeting at the club and I decided to ask for a lot of favours," said Mr Alder. "The house was bought for £80,000, and £3,000 has been spent on materials, but donated materials add up to at least £10,000 in value."

The project has enabled young men like Stephen Green, aged 20, who was brought up on Johnson Fold estate to believe they can contribute to society and get a job.

"I was unemployed for 13 months before I got taken on to this project," said the former Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil. "It's been a very good experience so far. I was not used to getting up early, but I would prefer to do that than stay at home doing nothing."

The youngsters' work at the house has dovetailed with courses at Bolton College where they have studied for their Construction Skills (6218) qualification, maths and English and work experience on Seddon construction sites.

Meanwhile BLGC has issued a list of local scontributorsto the project in gratitude for their support. The companies are: Ray Holding Decorators, 3B Training, UK Property Services, Contract Blinds, Bolton College, Bolton at Home, Frontline North West, Saniflo, BPS, Mono Alarms, All Trades, North West Boilers, ASW Roofing, AFG Law, Bromak, MG Locksmith, Bolton Kitchens, ASC Renewables, JDC Communications Ltd, OBas UK, Ladderstore, Benchmark Building Supplies, and Wickes.

BLGC chief executive Karen Edwards said: "We are very grateful to all the businesses and supporters of this project. By donating their time, materials and expertise they are making a difference to these young people's lives.

"Working alongside tradespeople on a live construction site and gaining qualifications will give them skills and knowledge to help them get on to the career ladder."