GREENER Ealing (GEL) has helped transform an 'unloved piece of land' into a 'glorious garden area' for Springhallow Post 16 College in Greenford - a college for 16-19 year-olds who have been diagnosed with autism.

GEL carried out the work last month as part of its commitment to giving back to the community.

During the course of three days, GEL staff worked hard to turn over the rock-hard soil, create planting beds and cut back large areas of overgrown brambles.

Staff and students pitched in to help out, while LAGER Can volunteers litter picked the area.

The small area of land, which is owned by the Council, is now clear of weeds and debris and is now a colourful space filled with flowers, plants and herbs, as well as vegetables.

Katie Morley, assistant headteacher at Springhallow Post 16, said: "This has been fantastic for our students.

"They have really enjoyed the process, seeing something come from nothing, and it's been great to get them involved too.

"This project allows them to learn and develop new skills.

"Greener Ealing has been fantastic, from the onset they've been so supportive and even donated new tools for us to use.

"I'm amazed by their hard work and the positivity they've brought to the project."

Kevin O'Leary, interim managing director at GEL, said: "We were delighted to take part in this project, that came about from a conversation between one of our staff and the school's caretaker.

"It's important to us as a local business to really embed ourselves in the community and go above and beyond offering the day-to-day service that we provide to the borough.

"Projects like this one enable us to share a positive environmental message, it's good for the students to learn about growing food and how food choices can relate to our carbon footprint.

"They wrote us some wonderful letters of thanks and some fantastic cards too, it was the icing on the cake of a job well done."

READ MORE: Greener Ealing to help transform overgrown space into garden for local college