A group of apprentices from a missile systems company took time out to redecorate a day centre used by carers and staff from the Comet’s Charity of the Year.

Last weekend, 18 MBDA apprentices supported by Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland, swapped their pens for paint brushes to redecorate the day centre at the Roebuck, Stevenage, used by Crossroads Care Hertfordshire North.

They completed the work in 48 hours as part of their involvement in the nationwide Brathay Challenge for apprentices.

Business apprentice Chloe Gray said: “From the moment we began the community project, as part of the Brathay Challenge, we knew that Crossroads was the charity we would most like to support.”

“The charity provides essential services to the local community, and we believed that our decorating efforts could make a real different to their clients.”

Alice Trimmer, also a business apprentice, added: “Our thanks to Stephen McPartland for joining the team and responding to a challenge we set him during his visit to MBDA during National Apprenticeship Week.”

The work done by the apprentices has been welcomed by staff at the charity, after the centre was burgled for the third time last month.  Thieves forced their way into the centre by smashing a window, before making off with an empty safe.  No one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Jo Wilkinson, Executive Assistant at Crossroads Care said: “The day centre looks great; it has really brightened up the place.  The MBDA apprentices have done a fantastic job and I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of everyone at Crossroads.”