STUDENTS from Newton Abbot helped to paint a re-opened Teignmouth youth centre.

Young people from the Foundation Learning Excellence course swapped pens and pencils for paintbrushes and rollers to join other volunteers decorating the Meadow Centre at Kingsway.

The students are on a course that prepares them for the world of employment, or vocational training or further education.

They follow a variety of City and Guilds courses in personal and socials development and employability skills.

Lecturer Sue Walker said: 'Students often take part in community projects like this.

'It is a great opportunity for them to put the skills they learn into practice, as well as contribute to the community.'

Members of the Kingsway Residents Association and staff from Westbank and Teignbridge CVS also helped, and Sarah Holmes, the centre manager, said: 'It was wonderful to have so many young willing helpers to supplement our merry band of painters.'