A YOUTH project which will see 12 teenagers from Hall i' th' Wood help to improve their estate got underway yesterday.

The initiative is being overseen by Deborah Dunleavy, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Bolton North-east, in conjunction with Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Ms Dunleavy joined the 14-17-year-olds yesterday, on a clean-up of their estate and held the first of several meetings planned for over the summer, at Bolton Lads and Girls club on Spa Road, Bolton.

She is challenging them to come up with ten ideas to improve their lives on the estate.

The project will culminate in a party-funded outward bound trip. Ms Dunleavy said "It was great to sit down with the group and listen to their hopes and fears.

"What I want to do now is see some real progress in their thoughts and ideas as to how their lives can be improved.

"Today was all about trying to get to know the kids a bit.

"I hope we will all develop an ongoing relationship and both sides will benefit."