Staffordshire RBL club to undergo revamp thanks to teenagers

Brewood Royal British Legion in Shop Lane was last decorated in 2007 shortly after the smoking ban was enforced.

But with its outdated wallpaper, carpets and furnishings, a team of 10 apprentices from Walsall Construction Training Academy have stepped in to spruce the place up for free.

The youngsters, aged 16-19, were taking on the challenge today and it will take two weeks to complete.

John Taylor, manager of the Regal Drive centre, said: "We are going to be painting , wallpapering, doing up the toilets and kitting the whole place out so that it looks a lot fresher and brighter.

"I know quite a few old soldiers and some members of the club so I knew that they needed help to decorate it.

"The club is a big part of the community and it is really popular with some of the men who served for their country so it is nice to be able to give something back.

"The whole place looks a bit outdated with peeling wallpaper and it really needs a lick of paint.

"The apprentices are going to gain hands-on experience from doing the place up and that will help them towards getting their qualifications."

Mr Taylor said he hopes the scheme will encourage more people to visit their local branch of the Royal British Legion.

He added: "So many clubs across the country have closed down but they are at the heart of the community so if we can do something to help then that's great."

The centre recruits apprentices from the job centre, Walsall College and schools in Brownhills, Willenhall, Shelfield and Walsall.

Courses in painting, decorating and plastering last 12 months and include practical tests and assessments.

Club secretary Ron Beddow said the project would take a 'huge chunk' out of the club's budget if they had to pay for it themselves.

He said: "It's a great thing the apprentices are doing because it will benefit us and it will benefit them.

"This is something that needs doing because the club is used by people to come and socialise and play darts and pool.

"It would take a chunk of our budget if John and the team hadn't stepped in.

"The last time we decorated was when the smoking ban was put in place because we had to paint the ceiling.

"I think the apprentices will learn an invaluable lesson coming here."