‘LIFE changing’ funding has helped a young man lay the foundations for his career in urban landscaping.

Since leaving school 18 months ago, Aaron Block has completed his NVQ Level 2 in landscaping for Groundwork, an environmental charity, and is now planning to embark on his Level 3.

The opportunity has been made possible thanks to Leigh Neighbours, a community project which was established three years ago by the National Lottery charity Big Local which granted it £1million to invest in an area to the west of Leigh town centre.

The Leigh Neighbours board agreed to fund the 17-year-old at the start of 2014 when he was just a few months out of school and it has been so impressed with him that it has now agreed to fund his NVQ 3 as well.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the Leigh Neighbours board has shown such confidence in me,” said Aaron.

“It’s an incredible opportunity which is literally life changing. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far with the support of great mentors at Groundwork, and I’m really looking forward to continuing my training.”

Leigh Neighbours board member John Gredecki was on the selection panel which originally appointed Aaron earlier this year, and he’s watched the youngster’s progress with great interest ever since.

John said: “When I met Aaron I knew instinctively that he showed great potential. We’ve put our faith in him and invested in his future, and he hasn’t let us down.

“This additional funding should help to set him up for life in a career he clearly loves.

“Young kids attract so much negative publicity and it’s unfair because it’s only a small minority that get caught up in anti-social behaviour and the like.

“Youngsters like Aaron are a real credit to their parents, their schools and their community. When he came to meet the board, we were all very impressed with his professionalism, his positive attitude and his work ethic.

“I’m delighted that Leigh Neighbours can help him.”