On one of the hottest days of the year so far, staff from a Kent developer spent the day out of the office giving a specialist school a makeover.

A parade of volunteers from Liberty Property Trust UK made their way down to the Quest School to paint the exterior and give it a brand new look.

Staff were taking part in the annual Bill Rouse Day of Caring when Liberty's 400 staff in the UK and USA spend a day helping their communities in memory of the company's founder Bill Rose, who died in 2003.

The specialist school for children with autism, which has recently relocated to Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, was founded in 2003 and creates a specialist learning environment designed around the specific needs of pupils.

It was started by parents of the original pupils and provides education as well as skills that are essential for the children’s personal development and well being, such as communication, behaviour and independence.

There are now 20 pupils that attend and the school plans to continue to expand, which is one of the reasons it relocated to new, larger premises in an oast at the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood.

“We were absolutely delighted with the efforts of all the staff from Liberty" - Anne Martin

Managing director of Liberty, Andrew Blevins said: "Our job was to prepare the external weatherboarding and then paint it.

“As a company, we recognise how important it is to be part of the local community and contribute in whatever way we can – and the Day of Caring enables us to offer practical help to some less well known charities and organisations.”

Liberty also provided a bench, parasol and some planters to brighten up the veranda for the staff.

Headmistress, Anne Martin said: “We were absolutely delighted with the efforts of all the staff from Liberty.

“For a small charity, days like this are invaluable to help us provide the support and education for our very needy children and families.

"We cannot thank Liberty enough for choosing to support us on their Day of Caring.”