YOUNGSTERS in York are in for a treat when they return from the half-term holiday, after dozens of volunteers gave their schools a makeover.

A group of 90 volunteers from other schools, colleges, local businesses and the University of York took part in the York Cares Community Challenge, to carry out a range of improvements at Tang Hall Primary School and Applefields Special School.

Over three days they created new nature zones, vegetable patches and flower beds at Tang Hall. They also provided new chairs and carvings for the reading area, new murals and a bike path outside.

At Applefields, they created new sensory decorations and equipment and new mosaics in the garden.

Bev Pawson, deputy head teacher at Tang Hall, said: “We can’t believe it. The children are going to be so excited when they see their new-look play areas next week, particularly the outdoor story-telling chairs.”

As part of the Tang Hall event, 15 youngsters took part in a team challenge in the style of TV show The Apprentice. They worked to renovate areas of the school grounds, sticking to a tight budget.

The team included staff from Northern Rail, Aviva, York Marriott Hotel, North Yorkshire Police and the University of York.

Jo North, commercial director of Northern Rail, said: “Our membership of York Cares is a great way for Northern and our employees to get together with other businesses to give something back to the local community.”

Volunteer Alice Wilson, 18, said: “I want to know as much of my time as possible has been used to help people spend theirs happily.”

Jacqui Tesselment, manager of York Cares, a community voluntary charity, said: “In the space of just six weeks, we have seen a groundswell of activity, with nearly 100 volunteers pledging their time, companies pledging materials and cash and employees sharing their expertise.

“It is really heartening, particularly in the difficult financial climate.”