WINCHESTER Prison’s memorial garden was given a makeover thanks to the help of a group of youngsters.

Kings Worthy Guides and Rangers answered a call on social media for tools and plants to cheer up the area but decided to go a step further. The girls used their meeting time to create somewhere for people to gather or have lunch.

Businesses came together and donated plants and flowers from Brambridge Garden Centre, Hilliers, The Original Flower Stall and Homebase. Social media was a big help with the Guide leaders spending most of the Sunday before driving around Winchester collecting donations from people’s gardens. Each Guide and Ranger also brought something to plant - from bright coloured dahlias to shrubs and herbs.

The 40 girls and their leaders spent the first 45 minutes in year group bubbles pulling out weeds and ivy and pruning back shrubs and trees. They collected over 20 sacks of garden waste, and found old bricks and litter.

After a swift drink and biscuit, girls then sorted the gifted plants into colours and began digging.

Ranger Bex said: “I’ve never planted this many flowers before. We had to learn about digging a deep enough hole and giving plants enough space. It looks beautiful!”

The garden will be used by prison staff on their breaks, as well as families as they wait to see loved ones.

Guide leader Isabelle Haigh said: “We are so proud of how the girls rose to the challenge in such a short space of time. It just shows that with some determination, passion and creativity, anything can be achieved.”