INSURANCE workers swapped the boardroom for the garden when they spent the day weeding, planting and painting at a Hampshire school.

The board of directors at Norwich Union Healthcare, pictured, managed to transform a courtyard at Hiltingbury School, Chandler's Ford.

Together the eight volunteers cleared a raised bed, made benching, varnished seats and painted a little shed to create a pleasant area for the youngsters to work in.

Gil Baldwin, managing director of Norwich Union Healthcare, said: "We all thoroughly enjoyed our day.

"We spent time with the children creating a special garden that aims to enable them to grow things and learn about plants and wildlife."

Jan Vincent, Hiltingbury School's head teacher, said: "We are so grateful to the Norwich Union Healthcare team.

"They all worked really hard and have helped us to realise a key part of our landscape plan."