BIG-HEARTED volunteers from Yorkshire Bank have taken time out from work to give the day centre at Grove House elderly people's home in York the "changing rooms" treatment.

Over 25 volunteers - more used to dealing with business, private and farming clients at the Yorkshire Bank Financial Solutions Centre in York - have redecorated the day centre in the two-day team challenge.

The first team of volunteers began by moving furniture, stripping the walls and completing all the necessary painting on the first day in preparation for the second team to wallpaper the entire day centre on day two.

The team of volunteers from the Yorkshire Bank co-ordinated the whole project over three months, assessing the site, selecting wallpaper samples for Grove House staff and residents to choose their favourite, purchasing supplies and carrying out all the work.

They were working in conjunction with York Cares, an employee volunteering organisation.

Lynne McTigue, from Yorkshire Bank, said: "After a couple of site visits we discussed what we wanted to achieve and set to work organising the event.

"It has been great working together to achieve something that will make a real difference for the residents of Grove House."

Grove House day centre provides a valuable service for many elderly residents in the area, who attend on a weekly basis to have some lunch and take part in a range of social activities such as bingo and day trips. Maureen Cannon, the deputy manager at Grove House, said: "I am amazed at how much the team has managed to achieve in two days - the day centre has been transformed. We are delighted with the results and on behalf of Grove House we would like to thank the volunteers for all their efforts."

Claire Gebert, from York Cares, said: "The team challenges are a great opportunity for colleagues to work together to accomplish a new task which develops a range of organisational, leadership and team working skills, while giving something back to the local community."

York Cares is an independent charity, which promotes volunteering to people at work, and assists businesses to engage in local community action. Its members include Press publishers Newsquest (York). York Cares is owned and led by local employers and nationally affiliated to Business in the Community, a movement of over 700 of the UK's top companies.

Phone York Cares on 01904 433482 or email info@yorkcares.co.uk for more information.