Fresh life has been given to a city allotment thanks to a 'life-changing' project.

Strong Roots, a charity which combines psychological therapy with gardening, tends to the Bluebell North Allotments off The Avenues in Earlham.

Their work was given a welcome boost by some volunteers recently thanks to Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and Toolstation.

Norwich Evening News: Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Lucy Scurfield, coordinator of Strong Roots, said: "I've been very moved by the work VIY have completed and feel the experience is life-changing for the young people who are taking up this opportunity.

"The project is going to give us a more sound future, helping us to keep going and be sustainable to help more people to improve their mental health."

Norwich Evening News: Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

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The work of the volunteers included repairing a leak on an existing hut used for counselling and a compostable toilet, as well as creating additional space with a new summerhouse and wood store to enable the spaces to be heated and used in the winter.

Norwich Evening News: Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

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The summerhouse will be used by New Roots, which was established in 2006, to support counselling sessions, as well as therapeutic horticultural activities, drawing, painting and writing.  

VIY helps young people who are considering a career in the construction and building industry, with 14 pledging up to 15 days' work on the project, funded by Norwich City Council's Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy.

Norwich Evening News: Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

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Toolstation also provided volunteers and products as part of its partnership with VIY, including its recently appointed managing director Angela Rushforth.

Ms Rushforth said: “Being able to support this project was really important. Collaborating with VIY on projects like this is a great way to help deliver meaningful opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds and gives them hands-on experience of work in this sector.”

Norwich Evening News: Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich Volunteer It Yourself and Toolstation have revamped the New Roots garden at the Bluebell North Allotments in Norwich (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

VIY also helps volunteers to earn City and Guilds accreditation to help their career prospects.