A UNIVERSITY boss joined some of his staff in tidying up a cemetery.

Durham University Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart Corbridge joined other university employees in helping the Friends of Stockton Road Cemetery spruce up the Durham plot.

Prof Corbridge said: “I’m extremely proud of the high levels of staff and student volunteering at Durham University.

“I’m also pleased to say that I have now participated for the first time, in glorious sunshine, helping to return a graveyard and nature area to its former glories.

“It was a great day and the work was worthwhile, fun and it was good to get muddy for a change.

“The volunteering team was terrific with good banter and a shared commitment to do our best. I’m looking forward to the next time.”

Roz Layton, secretary of the Friends of Stockton Road Cemetery, said: “We rely on a very small number of regular volunteers so when teams of staff visit for a day, the work that they achieve in just a few hours is immense.”

University employees can volunteer for up to five days a year during work time.