Contractors swapped their hard hats for shovels to help a St Albans charity out in the garden.

More than 40 green-fingered workers from Willmott Dixon weeded, renewed flower beds and removed a large pile of clay soil blocking a disabled parking bay at the Earthworks charity.

The firm - which worked with contractors to obtain equipment and a skip for the project - also donated £1,500 to the charity.

Earthworks offers trainees, often with learning difficulties or mental health problems, work experience in horticultural and land-based skills at its three-acre site in Hixberry Lane.

Willmott Dixon managing director Chris Tredget said: "Our management trainee Ed Hindley did a great job arranging for so many of us to help Earthworks in what was a really enjoyable day, although there were some sore backs at the end.

"What inspired us was that we can see just what great work Earthworks does with so many people."

Thursday’s gardening was part of Willmott Dixon’s national trainee-led Charity Challenge Day.

Bianca Badham, Earthworks’ project leader, said: "We have been delighted by the work, attitude and enthusiasm of Willmott Dixon.

"They got totally stuck in to what they needed to do and it has made a huge difference to our charity."

The charity holds several open days throughout the year where residents can buy vegetables and fruit produced by its trainees.

For more information visit www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk