A PILOT scheme that pumped some public pride into one of Maidstone's housing estates could be copied throughout the south east.

Community spirit on the Shepway estate is at a high thanks to Hyde Housing Association's Learning to be Local scheme.

The scheme involved local people on the estate in a string of community projects, which have helped restore some public pride in the area.The projects were such a success that other housing associations throughout London and the south east may now model similar schemes on Shepway.

Hyde transformed the once ailing estate with a £10 million investment in new housing, but the package of improvements went beyond bricks and mortar. The association brought together different agencies to help residents and young people manage and undertake community improvement projects of their own.

Under the scheme, residents formed their own group - Freshstart - and successfully bid for £3,000 to help fund work to brighten up the community.

Hadlow College, near Tonbridge, and the Careers Service gave residents on-the-job training and helped them access mainstream education and training opportunities. So far, groups of residents of all ages have refurbished a pond and wildlife area at Molehill Copse Primary School, transformed a meeting room at Shepway Infant School and improved the sixth form room at Senacre Technology College.

Many of the residents who mucked in had little or no knowledge of the work involved, but learned on the job, increasing their confidence and self-esteem. One, Kathy Wallace, who worked on the projects, said: "We have achieved a lot as a group and to see it all finished is brilliant. The scheme also made us realise just how much good we can do in the community and we want to carry on. We have started to arrange Christmas parties for the youngsters and we have visions of carrying out more community projects in the future.

"It has been a lot of hard work but tremendous fun for everyone involved."

Ros Young, regional housing manager for Hyde Housing Association, said: "We are delighted to be part of these community projects, working with our residents in more ways than usual to help with wider social and environmental issues.

"It is refreshing to be able to contribute more to people's lives than the normal landlord provision of accommodation services.

"We are extremely proud of our resident's achievements so far and are keen to support their plans for the future. They have made a real difference in the Shepway area."