A hospital children’s ward is to benefit from a new revamped outdoor play area, thanks to the Next Steps scheme.

Building firm Lloyd & Gravell are leading the project to transform what was an overgrown outdoor area for the benefit of its patients.

Five candidates have been chosen to take part in the Next Steps competition to win full-time paid construction apprenticeships with local building firms TRJ Ltd as well as Lloyd & Gravell Ltd.

They are working alongside skilled tradespeople at Glangwili Hospital’s Cilgerran Ward and have prepared the area and carried out groundworks. The group has also undertaken carpentry works to build a gazebo, fenced off the air conditioning unit and completed shuttering for concrete bases. Bricklaying works are starting this week.

A similar scheme was undertaken last year at Llys y Bryn Nursing home in Llanelli and Cwmamman paddling pool.

Director of Lloyd & Gravell Kevin Gravell said: “We are delighted that we have been able to carry out this project at Cilgerran Ward. When we came up with the idea of Next Steps we wanted to provide opportunities for apprenticeships, but giving back to the community was also an important part. This year’s project was selected as the services provided by the ward affects the lives of many individuals living in our community.”

Next Steps is a joint initiative between the two building firms and Constructing Carmarthenshire Together - a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property division, Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd. (CCTAL), Coleg Sir Gâr and CWIC.

The project was nominated by CCTAL and is being supported by donations from CCTAL Members and local suppliers.

Executive Board Member for the Environment, Cllr Hazel Evans said: “This is such a deserving cause and I’m sure the children will be delighted to have a place they can escape to in order to help aid their recovery in hospital.”