WINCHESTER Scouts have been busy ‘upcycling’ unwanted items as part of their quest to help the local community.

29 beavers, cubs and scouts from the 3rd Winchester unit, better known as The Worthies, helped Lanterns Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Weeke build a greenhouse, alongside parents, carers and helpers.

It was made from 1,500 two litre plastic drinks bottles, held together with timber donated by Hampshire County Council Countryside Services.

After nine hours of hard work they were left with a functional greenhouse the centre can use to teach children about planting and growing their own fruit and vegetables.

The project also promotes recycling, and was part of Scout Community Week, which ran from June 2-8.

The bottles had been collected by the scouts, and families that use Lanterns.

The nursery’s headteacher, Joy Reynolds, said: “We are thrilled with this project and want to thank 3rd Winchester for all their hard work building the greenhouse and all the children and families who collected the bottles. Thank you!”

Joss King, centre coordinator, said: “It is great when a community pulls together to achieve something and this project involved people at all levels, from collecting bottles to donating time, skills and materials. The children have experienced recycling and growing, and who knows, maybe eating some home grown fruit and vegetables.”

The scouts also had the support of B&Q Eastleigh.