Members of Swindon Borough Council’s communications team put their painting skills to the test to help brighten up the garden of a local care home.

As part of the council's permitted 15 hours of volunteering a year for employees, Whitbourne House in Park South received a new lick of paint for the fence around the perimeter of the garden last Thursday.

Whitbourne House is a council-run care home for people with alzheimer’s and dementia and is due to host its Summer Fete on Saturday, September 7.

Staff were hoping the fence could be completed in time.

“We had a fantastic day helping the staff at Whitbourne House and it was very rewarding to be able to do something positive for the residents," said Emma Pocock, the comms team member who organised the volunteering day.

“We think that giving people the time to take part in voluntary activities is beneficial for the individuals involved and for the council as a whole,” she added.

Claire Pender, business support advisor at Whitbourne House, added: “We really appreciate the effort that everyone made. We run a vital service that cares for people who are extremely vulnerable and we don’t always get the chance to do some of the odd jobs that need doing around the home.

"We appreciate any support we can get and if anybody would like to volunteer just a few hours here and there, they would be welcomed with open arms.”