VOLUNTEERS from Nationwide got their hands dirty yesterday as they helped tidy the gardens of Lawn Primary School.

Twelve employees arrived at the school for an afternoon of weeding, planting and tidying to ensure the individual class allotment beds are ready for the children next year.

The event was organised through headteacher Kelly James, who is currently on maternity leave. Her husband Rob works at Nationwide.

Teacher Graham Stevens, the outdoor learning co-ordinator, said: “It’s great that they have come in to help us – it was too big a job for the children to do.

“We have individual allotment beds for each classroom to grow their own produce and at the end of last term we held a farmers’ market and invited the parents in, which was great.

“Over the summer holidays, the beds have got really overgrown, so it is really helpful that they have now been cleared ready to plant more produce next year.”

Nic White, a consultant forecaster at Nationwide, said: “This is part of our corporate citizenship, which is important because it shows that Nationwide is an integral part of the local community.

“And we are showing our support for local charities and worthwhile causes.”