Generous sailors from HMS York descended on the city armed with paintbrushes, hammers and gardening tools.

Eighteen of the warship's big-hearted crew set to work helping four community projects in the city as part of the York Cares volunteering initiative.

They decorated a communal room for teenagers, made furniture, painted railings and did some gardening at the Kingswater Centre, at Clifton Green Primary School, yesterday.

Commander Tim Cryar, the ship's captain, also visited Applefields School to hand over a cheque for £1,380, money raised on board at charity events in aid of the school throughout the year.

The money includes proceeds from the sale of special HMS York and Applefields School Christmas cards, which were designed by Applefields pupil Lee Gurden.

The Royal Navy's presentation team will address an invited audience of local businesses, defence industry specialists, colleges and university representatives and employers at the Merchant Adventurers Hall tonight.