A TEAM of 10 Barclays business managers spent the weekend giving a helping hand to the development of a multi-sensory room at Ashford's Cherrytree Nursery School.

More than 180 two to five-year-olds use the centre where over the past two years they have taken more children with special needs. To enable them to have the necessary resources available the nursery has been fundraising to provide the specialist room for the youngsters.

Alex Ledger, local business manager for east Kent, who has a close association with the school, approached colleagues to assist the project. Together the volunteers have redecorated the classroom in preparation for the installation of specialist equipment.

With a donation of £600 from the Barclays community investment fund they spent the weekend removing old carpeting, sanding down woodwork and painting it.

Alex said: "Although it was hard work we all had great fun and it was a wonderful opportunity for staff to give something tangible to the local community."