YOUNGSTERS from three schools gave up their free time to make a difference and create a perfect playground for tots at nearby primary schools.

Students from Hounslow Manor School, Lampton School and The Green School took on the role of Millennium Volunteers last week, joining forces with London Youth and conservation charity BTCV to bring a little happiness to playtimes at two primary schools in neighbouring boroughs.

The six pupils threw themselves into renovating wooden climbing frames and an old sailing boat which had been donated to kids at Barnes' Westfield Primary School. They then headed to St Edmund's School, in Whitton, to transform a disused dumping ground into a nature garden with a bird bath, a wood pile for beetles and heavy scents from lavender, heather and rosemary bushes.

The volunteers will give up more time when they return to finish painting the boat.