UNEMPLOYED Torfaen residents got a taster of working in conservation at an event held to encourage them back into work.

They tried their hands at dry-stone walling, willow weaving and litter picking and were taken on a walk around Garn Lakes in Blaenavon.

The event, held at the Whistle Inn, was organised by conservation charity BTCV to provide a stepping stone to get the long-term unemployed interested in voluntary, training and employment opportunities.

It was part of the charity’s family employment initiative, which is a European funded £3 million programme matching people to environmental projects in their communities.

It aims to give people confidence and motivation through various activities.

Communities First and the Heritage Lottery Fund also helped to organised the event.