Ex-offenders are being given a chance to get back into work and make a difference in their community.

'Renaissance' aims to give these people skills and confidence to join the job market again.

It is part of a scheme by Donna Myall, manager of a hostel for those coming out of prison, The House of Genesis, and her builder partner Chris McNeill.

Saturday saw the first project carried out at Acorn Playgroup on Dussindale in Thorpe St Andrew.

With the guidance of Mr McNeill, 30, the team rebuilt the garden with turf donated from City Garden Service, a herb garden donated by Thorpe Plant Centre, and the top soil delivered and donated by Bailey's of Norfolk.

Miss Myall, of Dussindale, said: 'As we grow we are aiming to work closely with bigger organisations in our community and hope to grow our company to allow ex-offenders a programme to come out to and feel proud of.'