Six members of staff from Newent-based Two Rivers Housing and two from local firm PH Jones volunteered their time to help out at Berry Hill Community Orchard, near Coleford.

The team arrived in the morning and immediately started weeding, clearing grass, laying membrane and spreading around six tonnes of bark, donated by a local tree surgeon. They also built a memorial flower bed for a lady in remembrance of her late husband.

The site used to be a piece of forest waste ground but is now a valued, much-used and appreciated beautiful area that the community, young and old, come to use.

Many groups also benefit from the orchard including Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the Children's Opportunity Centre and the local primary school.

Two Rivers Housing's 'Helping Hands' initiative gives each staff member a day out of their normal working hours to help other organisations and charities within the communities it serves. PH Jones is Two Rivers' heating contractor and its staff were keen to join in and lend a hand too.

Robert Harris, a member of the Orchard Committee, said: "What a lovely bunch of hard-working motivated young people. I am talking about the folks from Two Rivers and PH Jones. It was a pleasure to work with them at the orchard.

"The energy and fun they brought to us was a joy. Thank you Two Rivers and PH Jones for your commitment to community projects like ours."

Amelia Revill, Two Rivers Housing HR apprentice, added: "It was a really rewarding day. We worked hard and were able to make such a difference.

"This is an amazing and tranquil place for people to come and just sit and enjoy the scenery. It is also great for the wildlife. We were pleased to be able to offer some time to help out."

Picture caption: The team of helpers at Berry Hill Community Orchard.