A team of young men who gave Filwood's Community Centre a makeover gathered with residents to celebrate its opening.

The team of ten 17 to 25-year-olds from Bristol's Prince's Trust group took on the challenge to spruce up the centre which is used by a diverse range of groups.

Before Prince's Trust team 164 stepped in, the centre was in a shabby state.

Ann Smith, 70, of Bantry Road, Filwood, who attends bingo in the hall, said: "Before the boys came in the hall was dark and dull. The council have not done anything here for years."

The boys took two weeks to prepare and paint the walls, tidy up and plant a herb garden for the kitchen. They also removed racist graffiti from the outside walls.

Local manager from Community in Partnership, Joy Pollard, 48, of Newquay Road, Knowle, was instrumental in organising the team. She said: "At first I thought a bunch of boys with paint brushes was probably not a good idea but we had a fantastic laugh. They worked really hard.

"We've got a lot more to do including a sports hall. A lot of the boys have requested to come and help me again."

Member of the team, Dean Lewis, 19, from Yate, said the experience helped him decide what he wants to do.

He said: "I wasn't doing anything before but now I want to go into painting and decorating. It's really helped me, I'm proud of myself."

Dean's parents, Gillian and Peter, were there to support him. Mrs Lewis, 45, said: "He's painted my walls and kitchen. We're very proud of him."

The boys had to raise money to buy paint and supplies themselves. They raised £180 washing car windows on the M32 and another £180 on a sponsored 28-mile bike ride from Bristol to Bath. Both events were fancy dress.

Tony Hearn, 18, of Southmead, dressed as Wonder Woman. He said: "It was the only costume left but I liked the attention. We didn't expect to raise as much as we did.

"It felt really good to give something back to the community."

The project has also boosted confidence within the group.

Rich Yendle, 19, of Whitchurch, said: "Before I did this I was quiet and found it hard to talk to people. Now I can speak to anyone."

To add a personal touch, the boys also painted masks to put on the walls.

Michelle Broadbent, team leader with the Prince's Trust, said: "These boys are so many steps ahead of when they first arrived. Every single one has changed."