A team of volunteers from Lloyds TSB Commercial in Birmingham got their hands dirty when they swapped computers for spades to help with maintenance of the grounds at Martineau Gardens.

The group from the bank spent the day working on the 2.5-acre garden in Edgbaston, helping to build raised vegetable beds.

The vegetable beds are an important asset to the gardens, and the produce grown is a source of income for the charity.

The regular volunteers who tend the Gardens throughout the year are vulnerable people who benefit from the gardening work they do on the grounds. The eight-strong group from the bank spent their time as part of Lloyds TSB Commercial’s ‘Bank an Hour’ initiative, which encourages staff across the UK to donate their time to charities and voluntary organisations.   

Revinder Shergill, of Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “The gardens are a pleasant environment for visitors to enjoy many types of plants and flowers, as well as providing a rich habitat for local wildlife.

“This gave us a chance to lend our support to an attraction which brings so many visitors to the area.”