A PILOT project is being launched by Redditch YMCA at Birchensale Middle School to help children give back to their community, gain access to out-of-school clubs and receive awards for hard work.

Dream Scheme is being funded by the Children's Fund in partnership with the school itself and the education authority.

The children will be taking part in a huge range of tasks - starting off with horticultural activities - and will get to try their hand at many things they would not normally get the chance of doing.

For every task they complete successfully, the children will be awarded a number of points. These points have a monetary value and will be used to allow them to take part in an event or go on a trip which they have chosen as a group.

One of the first tasks will be making repairs and improving the old caretaker's bungalow in the school grounds.

YMCA operations manager Darren Veness said: "Obviously the children will have continual supervision so they don't come to any harm but the project really will be all their own work.

"They will write to companies such as B&Q or Homebase and ask for sponsorship or vouchers which they can then spend on DIY equipment, paint and anything else they need to complete their tasks.

"After the task has been completed at Birchensale, we will also include pupils from Batchley First School and all the youngsters will carry out a community project in Batchley."

He added: "Youngsters often don't get the chance to give back to their communities so this will be their chance to do so, it will also encourage them to become more involved with activities in and out of school."