Newbury teenagers being supported by Nacro, are holding an exhibition showcasing their artwork.

The group of ten are also celebrating completing a course run by Nacro, to help them get into education, training or work.

The Localities, Engagement, Achievement and progression (LEAP) course is financed by the European Social Fund and uses art to engage young people and help boost their confidence.

Over ten weeks, the group have completed a trinity arts award, a sports leaders award and an emergency first aid qualification.

They also learn life skills such as cooking, gardening and are given support to move on to college, training or work.

The course is run from Nacro’s Bramlings House in Newbury, which is a brand new project, proving supported housing and education for 25 young homeless people from the area.

The group on the course is made up of a mixture of young people who are living at the centre, and other unemployed teenagers from the local area.

Nacro project worker Jenny Liddell who runs the course says: “This is the first course we’ve run from this new site and it’s been a huge success.

“At first some of the young people can be a bit reluctant to get involved with the arts, but once they get into it, they absolutely love it. It’s really rewarding watching them grow and develop over the ten weeks and uncovering some amazing artistic talent.”

Eighteen year-old Tom Arlott from Newbury is one of those taking part. He says: “I’ve always liked art, but this course has given me more encouragement to get into it. It’s more relaxed than school, and the staff are really supportive. My aim now is to go into graphic design as a career.”