Young people in Tewkesbury can help shape the town's future, by engaging with its Garden Communities programme through a variety of activities.

Tewkesbury Borough Council is working with youth engagement specialists Matt + Fiona to run a three-day design studio at Tewkesbury Academy.

The studio sessions will consist of three groups of up to 25 Key Stage 3 students each day, to discuss the issues concerning environmentally sustainable development and growth and to establish their vision for the Garden Communities.

This project will culminate in a drop-in family fun day to be held at Tewkesbury Town Hall on Saturday (March 16), 10am-3pm, at which young and old are encouraged to take part in creative activities exploring Tewkesbury's future and learn more about the Garden Communities programme.

Showcasing the work of the students who attended the design studio, it will allow the council to collect feedback on their ideas from residents.

In addition, Young Gloucestershire - a countywide charity providing training and practical support for young people aged 11-25 who face academic, psychological or emotional challenges in their lives - will be recruiting a panel of young people up to the age of 23 to act as ambassadors for the Garden Communities and help to promote the programme to their peers.

Cllr Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "Tewkesbury's Garden Communities programme has at its heart both environmental sustainability and support for businesses and residents to flourish and fulfil their potential, and our young people are the future of these communities.

"It's only fitting, therefore, that measures such as these are taken to ensure that young people are engaged with the programme and that their voices are heard, so that we will be able to deliver well-designed places and communities, where people will be happy to live, work and play.

"I would encourage all those who feel strongly about the town's future to come along to the family day, learn more about the Garden Communities programme and give us your views."