The boss of a Bradford-based chemical manufacturing specialist and 11 other staff have helped prepare an allotment for use by Mortimer House Children’s Centre at Bradford Moor – just in time for the spring planting season.

The volunteers from Christeyns included managing director Nick Garthwaite and carried out the work through Participate Projects, a charity that accesses volunteers from local businesses to help communities develop projects.

The allotment had been donated to Mortimer House, which provides nursery facilities for two to four-year-olds and additional respite and educational support for local families and lone parents of children with disabilities.

The Christeyns team cleared the allotment of waste and constructed raised allotment beds ready for planting. Existing plants such as strawberries and rhubarb were rescued from the overgrown site and paths suitable for wheelchair access were created.

The 12-strong Christeyns team all work at the Bradford headquarters and comprised Duncan Brent, Dean Clarke, Tony Culling, Nick Garthwaite, Olwen Hobson, Jill Ingham, Liz and Neville Kildunne, Julie Roberts, Steve Smith, Jayne Talbot and Rob Thornton.

Jayne Talbot, Christeyns environmental/health and safety manager, said: “We were very lucky with the weather and despite the hard work, everyone enjoyed the day and we hope the charity will enjoy the results.”

Christeyns plans to send another team to carry out further work for Mortimer House over the coming months.