STAFF from York company Benenden Health care swapped their office for New Earswick's Folk Hall to help out for the day.

Seven employees from the Holgate-based mutual were at the community centre on Tuesday as part of the York Cares volunteering scheme.

They painted fences, did gardening, and tidied up the outside areas to give the area a make-over.

Benenden Health's Claire Waines said: "Our staff really enjoy taking part in York Cares' projects in the local area and it’s always rewarding to see your efforts make a practical difference to the community."

York Cares is an employee volunteering scheme that lets staff from some of York's biggest employers turn their hands to help charities and community organisations in the city.

Benenden Health is planning its next volunteering day in June and may head back to the Folk Hall later in the summer to help complete the centre's overhaul.