Tia and Tanya Ferraro present flowers at Lainesmead Primary with teacher Jeanette Turner Picture: SIOBHAN BOYLE Ref: 76595-12YOUNG members of the Baha'i community marked the start of their New Year by presenting flowers to their fellow pupils.

Two sisters, Tanya, 10 and seven-year-old Tia Ferraro, of Walcot, gave the gifts to students at Lainesmead Primary School in Walcot.

Fidelma Meehan, of the Baha'i community said: "It's nice for our younger members of the Baha'i community to be involved in this celebration. We're just really pleased that they can be part of the community and have a part to play in it.

"One of the keys to Baha'i is raising a new generation and seeing these youngsters so excited by Baha'i events is a wonderful thing."

The Baha'i New Year is also known as Naw-Rz, which means New Day.

The special event is celebrated all over the country as the Baha'is reflect on their services in the wider community.

Among the work the Swindon Baha'i have done in the last year include the town's popular Tranquillity Zone, based in the Health Hydro, Milton Road.

The Swindon Youth Empowerment Project (SYEP) is another key initiative of the Baha'i's of Swindon, which aims to raise self-esteem of young people. In the past year the project has attracted funding from large organisations based in Swindon such as Zurich, the Tudor Trust and the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.

Local celebrations to mark the Baha'i New Year include a party at Lawns Community Centre.

For further information about the Tranquillity Zone call 01793 465 715.