THE barbecue was fired up for a visit by the Bishop of Dudley to a community garden which has helped teenagers gain life skills.

Tasty fruit and vegetables from the gardens of the community project were served up during his visit to the gardens at Tolladine Mission House.

The community garden project, which started in the grounds of Tolladine mission house three years ago, has been used by year nine pupils from Bishop Perowne CofE College working alongside volunteers.

The Bishop of Dudley, the Right Rev Canon Graham Usher visited the garden to speak to students, volunteers from St Barnabas Church and teachers from the school.

Captain Rick Tett, a church army community missioner and chaplain for Bishop Perowne College, said: "It's a very exciting time for us.

"It is great how the project has taken off and the youngsters have achieved qualifications towards their GCSEs.

"However, the most encouraging thing is seeing how the students have grown in confidence and how the project has helped to develop their work ethic, interpersonal skills, practical skills and team building - these are immeasurable achievements."

Tolladine Church Mission received £100,000 from the Archbishops' Council and Church Commissioners of the Church of England which allowed the project to flourish.

Capt Tett stressed that the project could not have become so successful without the dedication of his wife Debs and volunteers.