Young people are up for a royal award for their work renovating a fort in Newhaven.

The nine youths, who came together as part of the Prince’s Trust Team, approached Newhaven Fort, a museum run by volunteers, and agreed to renovate the fort’s Grand Magazine.

The team, from Sussex Downs College are William Bell, 19, Lewis Corbett, 18, Brogan Dartnell, 17, Lyall Findlay, 17, Eva Hoad, 17, Natasha Larby, 22, Tom McMillian, 24, Chloe Stonebook, 22 and Luke Potter, 17.

Simon Cochran, fort manager, said: “The team showed great enthusiasm for their project and it was thanks to their hard work that the fort looked so good for the start of the season.”

The youths raised the funds for the materials needed and hand painted and renovated the whole battery and its surround. They painted the exhibition in the gun’s entry tunnel, researched, designed and erected two large information boards, and weeded and swept the walkway.

The team’s work means they are now contenders for the Morgan Stanley Community Impact Award at The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards.

Norman Baker MP for Lewes said: “I would like to congratulate all the young people nominated for this award.

“The effort they have gone to restore something so important to the local area showed an incredible amount of perseverance and dedication.

“Thanks to their hard work, the Newhaven Fort now has a new lease of life.

“They are a shining example of what teamwork and community spirit are all about and I would like to wish them the best of luck at the awards.”

Newhaven Fort was finished in 1871 and served as a military base and defensive installation until it was vacated by the army in 1962.

The fort underwent restoration, starting in 1982, refurbishing it to its original 1906 to 1941 armament.

Sue Watts, chief administrative officer at Morgan Stanley, said: “It is admirable that these young people have gone above and beyond to improve their own lives and prospects against the odds, but it is even more impressive that they have also benefitted their local community.

“We wish them all the best of luck in the finals.”

The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards, now in their tenth year, will be held on March 12 at London’s Leicester Square Odeon.