Craft apprentices in Glasgow have brightened up a West End church while on a Community Apprenticeship Initiative.

The 16 young people painted walls, fixed panels and fitted improved lighting in Anderston Kelvingrove Parish Church over the past few months.

Church users said it made the building "more welcoming".

Tom Moffat, session clerk at Anderston Kelvingrove, said: "The difference they have made is not just to the fabric of the building.

"We have over 30 groups using our building, covering a wide range of community needs - from self-help, like Alcoholics Anonymous - to lunch clubs, council meetings and dance classes, as well as hosting three different church groups. We also have a number of charities based in our building who work from 9am till 5pm every weekday.

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"They have all remarked on the difference it has made to the building. It is much fresher, certainly, but also lighter and much more welcoming than before.

"From all of us, we'd like to thank the apprentices for making a real difference to our building."

The apprentices were from City Building, Glasgow City Council's arms-length construction company.

A spokesperson for City Building said it was important for its 450 apprentices to gain an increased understanding of their own communities.

The company's acting managing director Graham Paterson said: "It is fantastic to hear such great feedback from the church about how professional and willing our apprentices have been, as it is a true testament to how they will develop in full-time employment."

(NE)