THE finishing touches are being made to a community garden in Westham ahead of its official opening next week.

A team of volunteers led by the Westham Youth Forum has transformed a piece of wasteland in Bedford Road into an area local residents can enjoy.

The driving force behind the £10,000 project is youth forum chairman, 16-year-old Ryan Hope, supported by around 100 volunteers.

Ryan said: “The garden is looking really good. I’m proud of the kids as this is their first big project with the youth forum. We have had so many positive comments as people are walking past.

“We are trying to break down barriers between generations and this project has been a really big help in that.”

Ryan and his young team did much of the work, but eight volunteers from Weymouth and Portland Housing, the Synergy Group, and East Dorset Housing Association laid the patio and decking, built a barbecue, and assembled fencing.

They are the final tweaks to the nautical-themed garden, complete with four boats used as planters and oyster shells for decoration.

Kevin Dey, managing director of Weymouth and Portland Housing, said they are happy to help. He said: “The land used belongs to the association so we had a big interest in it, and we felt the youth forum has got so much energy and enthusiasm that we wanted to support them with practical help.

“It is such a wonderful thing to see kids being positive and doing something for the community.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council community development officer Julie Hursthouse said it has been a good example of the whole community pitching in.

The youngest resident lending a hand was aged four, and the oldest aged 82.

“Community space is lacking in the Westham area,” said Mrs Hursthouse. “It is truly amazing as it has got the community working together with many partner agencies.

“It is very heartwarming, especially in this time of recession, that people have come forward and donated things.”

They include Stag Fencing, which donated £2,000 of equipment and materials, and Weymouth Sailing Club, which donated a boat.

Ryan was also successful in winning a £2,000 grant from Dorset County Council’s Youth Opportunities Fund, half of which was spent on a garden for the elderly at Fairway Court, completed last year.

The garden will be officially opened at 4pm on Friday, May 1 by Weymouth harbourmaster Peter Mole, who donated decking.