YOUNG apprentices used their skills to revamp a charity centre for the homeless.

Six workers from Glasgow-based City Building upgraded the Glasgow Simon Community centre, in Tollcross, which supports people with issues regarding social inclusion, mental health, employability and literacy and numeracy.

And apprentices Thomas Henderson, Jonathan Potts, Paul O'Donnell, Scott McKenzie and Kenneth Blair, all 20, and Chris Mulholland, 19, used their skills in joinery, electrics and painting and decorating to update the interior of the centre.

Lorraine McGrath, chief executive of the Glasgow Simon Community, said: "The work undertaken by City Building's apprentices has made the environment a more welcoming and positive place and lifted the spirits of everyone who comes here.

"I can't overstate the importance of what they've done – it's been transformational and fully supports our plans to expand the services we provide – that wouldn't have been possible without the help of City Building."

The apprentices were presented with a Friends of Glasgow Simon Community Award for their work.

Lorraine added: "I can't give enough praise to the apprentices.

"They conducted themselves with such professionalism and their attitude towards their work was excellent."

Jonathan Potts, an apprentice painter, said: "It was great to be involved in a project like the Glasgow Simon Community centre because it felt good to be part of a project that was giving something back to the community."

City Building encourages its apprentices to get involved with local community activities with its Apprentice Community Projects scheme.

Councillor Paul Carey, chairman of City Building LLP, added: "We are committed to engaging with community groups like the Glasgow Simon Community that play such an important role.

"I would like to congratulate all the apprentices involved with this project and thank them for all their hard work."