A COMMUNITY garden was given a good spruce up by volunteers this week.

Around 25 staff from 3M, in Newton Aycliffe, volunteered at Shildon Alive's Community Garden, in partnership with Durham University Staff Volunteering.

Shildon Alive, a community based charity, offers a food bank, credit union and is a learning and resource hub supporting people in and around Shildon and its gardens enable adults and children to learn about sustainable living and food sources and nutrition.

The 3M team removed rubbish, built a children's tool shed, cleared and topped up raised beds, built compost bays, weeded and painted the fence.

Town mayor Councillor Shirley Quinn and Shildon Alive project coordinator Paula Nelson thanked everyone for their hard work.

For DUSV, which helps companies engage with their area, email community.engagement@durham.ac.uk or for Shildon Alive call 01388-417600.