A CHARITY has appointed its learners to spearhead a community consultation exercise.

Walton Lea Partnership, based in south Warrington, is one of the first in the country to take this initiative.

The charity is planning a big project to expand its facilities and wanted to consult its stakeholders.

The responsibility was taken up by the nine-member learner media team.

Their first step was to create a theme, 'Space of Our Own', and a logo, with help from volunteer Bernard Ernshaw.

The team adopted a butterfly as their official emblem after a talk by the Butterfly Conservation Society, symbolising that small changes lead to big developments.

The theme Space of Our Own' was chosen, and a logo designed with help from volunteer Bernard Ernshaw (Image: Supplied) All departments at Walton Lea supported the learners in revamping an information cabin, which houses all ideas and feedback from staff and learner forums.

The next step is the 'Space of Our Own' roadshow, where learners will visit local authority groups, stakeholders, businesses, and more across the community.

Chairman of Walton Lea, Mike Cozens, said: "This is a significant moment in the 26-year history of Walton Lea.

"It is magnificent that our learners are leading the consultation and so far we’ve had some inspiring and thought-provoking feedback."