A GROUP of enterprising youngsters from James Watt College were praised by Prince Charles when they showed him conservation work they have carried out at Loch Lomond.

Young people participating in The Prince's Trust Team programme met the Prince when he visited Luss to see the redevelopment work they have carried out in the village.

Alastair Milloy, vice principal of James Watt College, said: "We are extremely proud to see the efforts of our learners helping others, throughout this project and the many others undertaken in the community.

"The project has been a fantastic opportunity for each team member to learn new skills and demonstrate their ability to work in successful teams." The Prince's Trust Team programme is a 12-week personal development programme designed to equip young people with the skills and experience necessary for moving on to a positive destination.

The youngsters complete a community-based project, work experience, intensive team building and personal development initiatives and a Team challenge, which allows them to achieve recognised accreditation in an informal environment, as well as allowing them to make a contribution to the community.

The Prince's Trust Team programme at James Watt College began working in partnership with Luss Parish Church in 2007.

The project has seen young people from the college work in collaboration with young people from other colleges.

During the last three years, more than 140 young people have worked on the redevelopment of the area to help construct a bridge, create several new pathways, create wheelchair access through the grounds of the church, install environmental protection measures and construct additional storage facilities for the church and community.

Teams have also worked on creating a cinema for the area, which it is hoped will attract around 750,000 visitors a year.