Around 40 people expanded their gardening and tree maintenance skills through a week-long horticulture and arboriculture training programme.

The course, which was organised by the Skills Development Programme, was divided into four sections — basic and advanced horticulture and basic and advanced arboriculture.

A government spokesman said the programme received so many applications from the community that a waiting list was needed.

Steph Addison, from Kingston Maurward College in the United Kingdom, led the horticultural sections of the programme with Jimmy Harvey from the Department of Parks.

These sections covered planting, soil testing and pest and disease management.

The arboriculture training, led by James Colville from Kingston Maurward College and Tracy Wright from the Department of Parks, included chainsaw maintenance, tree felling and pruning.

The participants, who ranged in age from 20 to 35, earned a certificate from Kingston Maurward College when they completed the programme.

Special awards were also handed out, with Seth Pearman named most outstanding overall participant.

Desta Wilson, from the Corporation of Hamilton, received the best basic horticulture award, and Gladstone Butterfield, from the West End Development Corporation, won the prize for best advanced horticulture.

Oscar Riley, from Port Royal Golf Course, earned the advanced arboriculture award. The prize for basic arboriculture has yet to be announced.

Kadre Jacobs and Canaan Turner, who are enrolled in SDP, received special awards for basic horticulture and basic arboriculture respectively.

Commending the commitment of the participants, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said: “Their efforts contribute to beautifying and maintaining our surroundings, preserving our natural heritage.

“Such training programmes play a crucial role in enhancing individuals' expertise and ensuring our environment's sustainability.

“The Government fully supports these initiatives and looks forward to witnessing the impact of these newly acquired skills in our community."