STAFF and students from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service’s (DFRS) Princes Trust programme have completed a one-day challenge to give Broadstone War Memorial Hall a facelift.

The team was approached by the memorial hall committee, who asked for the outside of the building to be redecorated to mark the 100th anniversary since the outbreak of World War I.

DFRS Princes Trust franchise manager Marie-Clare Nicholson said she was very impressed with the work completed by the team.

She said: “I am so delighted we chose this project and its particular importance this year, the results in one day are fantastic and everyone has worked so hard, I am proud of them all.”

The Princes Trust Poole Team 36 completed the work, to modernise the hall’s exterior.

Broadstone War Memorial Hall chairman Mar Godfrey said: “We were delighted that Poole Team 36 chose Broadstone War Memorial Hall for their one day project.

“As the hall was paid for by the local people as a memorial to all those who lost their lives in the world wars, this was a wonderful opportunity to give it a real facelift and a future in this anniversary year of the First World War.”

The Princes Trust programme works to give young people, aged 16-25, the opportunity to complete a range of activities, while working towards a nationally-recognised award.

Marie-Clare said: “The course is aimed at helping to change the lives of these young people.

“It gives them something to aim for and a better chance within the workforce.

“In 2014 we have helped over 45 young people progress to university, employment, apprenticeships and living independently.”

However, after 2015 the funding to run a Princess Trust team in Poole runs out. If you are interested in sponsoring a young person or a Princes Trust programme you can contact Marie-Clare by telephoning 01305 753 031.

To find out more about the Prince’s Trust and its work see ww.princes-trust.org.uk