A COMMUNITY link programme launched by DLO Andover is uncovering some hidden talents among staff while proving to be an excellent team-building exercise.

With about 1,700 people working for the DLO it is Andover's biggest employer and it is keen to put something back into the community.

Two projects at Knights Enham Infants School and Smannell and Enham CoE Primary School have been completed by two separate Integrated Project Teams - and two more are taking off.

A Community Links Day exhibition was held recently at DLO to encourage all 13 IPT groups within the organisation to take part in community projects.

The work carried by Guided Weapons IPT at Knights Enham Infants shows what can be achieved by just one team.

Headteacher Carole Burwell said they had planned four different projects within the school grounds, but it would have taken months to get the money together and then implement the scheme. But the DLO raised the necessary money and then moved in for three days in March to complete the project on site.

Under the Prime Minister's Challenge volunteers can take up to three days paid leave to carry out voluntary work of this nature.

Mrs Burwell said: "It's been fantastic for the children. We have extended the play area and now have a quiet area."

The children knew nothing about the project until they returned to school after the Easter holiday break.

The project included a nature trail, scientific area and an orienteering section, and was finished off with artwork.

For the DLO it also worked as a superb team building exercise. As team leader Col Andy Philp said: "This has to be the best team building event we have ever had."

The Light Armoured Systems Support IPT tidied up the pond at Smannell and Enham CoE Prim-ary School, created a patio garden, extended a woodland walk and repaired and painted the sports shed and playhouse in the quiet area. The Combat Support Equipment IPT has begun working with Harrow Way Community School as part of the Science and Technology Forum's Neighbour-hood Engineer Scheme based at Southampton University.

And the team affectionately known as the Flying Web Team have been giving advice to Harrow Way Community School and are working on a youth link on Test Valley Borough Council's website.