LAYING paths, painting play equipment, sprucing up flower beds and planting a wildflower meadow were among the array of activities carried out by Trafford Housing Trust staff recently, during a day of volunteering.

More than 300 employees from the Trust got out and about for Give and Gain Day, a national day of volunteering promoted by Business in the Community.

Staff members lent a hand to the Broomwood Cleaning and Greening project in Altrincham, by teaming up with school children to plant seeds, lay paths, build bird boxes and spruce up play equipment.

They were also on hand to give a new lick of paint, outside and in, to 4 Cheeky Monkeys in Sale West – a community based nursery offering childcare and parenting support which will open in September.

Red Rose Forest in Sale West was another beneficiary, with the Trust’s eager volunteers carrying out environmental works, including preparing and planting a wildflower meadow.

Staff from the Trust even took over the school curriculum at the Wellacre Academy in Flixton, bringing their own unique take to maths, history and music lessons. Other events supported by the Trust were a Building Brighter Futures school event at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the Ear 4 U food and clothing bank in Partington.

Julia Brunning, a teacher at Wellacre School, said: “The pupils had an amazing day and the outcomes are far beyond our expectations. I have had some excellent emails from staff complimenting the Trust’s employees and contractors. We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

“The school has been completely transformed and this could not have been achieved without the time, effort and generosity of the contractors and the Trust. I strongly believe that you lead the way in terms of social responsibility and that more businesses should follow in your footsteps.”

Janeane Warhurst, from 4 Cheeky Monkeys, said: “It has been so wonderful to have the support of Trafford Housing Trust and their partners for Give and Gain Day. They have helped us turn our dream into reality and reach our target to open in September. The work that has been done is unbelievable and I cannot thank the companies supporting us with donations of materials and their time enough.”

Councillor Robert Chilton, who represents the St Mary’s Ward in Trafford, was full of praise for the trust’s efforts. He said: “It was great to see so many people helping genuinely beneficial community projects. The staff did fantastic work, and their efforts were a credit to the trust.”

Matthew Gardiner, chief executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said: “Give and Gain Day is a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to spend some positive time within their communities. Our staff really rose to the occasion, giving a helping hand to lots of worthwhile projects.

“As well as events like Give and Gain, we continue to support voluntary groups and organisations across the borough through Thrive Trafford. The service can help anyone who is involved with voluntary and community projects with information about accessing support, funding, advice and much more.”

Thrive Trafford is a partnership between Pulse Regeneration and Trafford Housing Trust delivering support to third sector organisations and communities in Trafford. For more information visit www.thrivetrafford.org.uk