EMPLOYEES from Trowbridge-based company The Consortium have taken up the challenge of transforming a play area for local special education school Stepping Stones.

Staff members from the education supplies company wanted to support a local charity or business by completing a community day and chose Stepping Stones, a charity which provides support to pre-school children throughout west Wiltshire who have special educational needs.

The 12-strong team stripped, sanded and prepped the play area, before taking on the task of varnishing and painting in the hot afternoon sun.

Joe Berkem, who helped to organise the event, said: “As a marketing team we thought it would be great to have a day where all of us could pitch in and make a real difference.

“We’d heard of the recent cuts to Stepping Stones funding so approached manager Debbie Wickham, to ask if there was anything we could do to help.”

“They all worked so hard and all our staff mentioned how much care and consideration was taken, from the preparation to the completion.” said Mrs Wickham. “We are completely over the moon with the results and the children absolutely love it.

“We would just like to say a huge thank you to all those from The Consortium who contributed. The makeover is just magnificent and we can’t believe how much was managed in a single day.”

Jo Trigg, head of marketing at The Consortium, said: “Everyone gave it their all and I’m delighted we had the opportunity to help. We hope the play area is enjoyed for many more years to come.”

The company expressed its thanks to Bradfords Building Supplies and Brandon Tool Hire, both in Trowbridge, for donating the use of sanding machines and a pressure washer for the day.