BUDDING young builders donned hard hats and put their construction skills to the test.

The children from Race Leys Junior School in Bedworth were given the chance to lay a brick at the site of a new Housing and Care 21 extra care scheme.

The pupils won a competition to help name the scheme in the town, which will be known as Oakwood Gardens.

They were joined by representatives from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council and Willmott Dixon, the construction company that is building the scheme.

David Harding, headteacher of the school said: “Race Leys Juniors were delighted to play such an important part in the naming of the new development.

“The children enthusiastically responded and suggested a whole range of interesting names. We very much look forward to further developing our links with Housing 21.”

When complete, Oakwood Gardens – which is being built on the site of the former Griff School – will provide 74 apartments and 11 bungalows for older people.

Kris Peach, regional director for Housing and Care 21 said: “It’s good to see the children getting involved by naming the new development.

“Earlier in the day they had a lesson on site safety with Willmott Dixon’s mascot, ‘Ivor Goodsite’, and I’m sure there will be further joint working opportunities as the development progresses.”

Councillor Jose Compton, cabinet member for adult social care at Warwickshire County Council, added: “Oakwood Gardens, and other housing schemes like this, will ensure that older people have the opportunity to live a more independent life.”

Oakwood Gardens will provide apartments for rent, shared ownership and outright sale.

Councillor Julie Jackson, cabinet member for housing at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “This is the first extra care facility in the borough. It is designed to offer accommodation to older residents of Nuneaton and Bedworth via the council’s ‘Home Hunt’ register.

“This has been achieved through strong partnership working between all the agencies and local residents via a public consultation.

“I also think the children of Race Leys School have come up with an excellent name in Oakwood Gardens.”