THIRTY-five volunteers from Southampton-based financial services group Skandia swapped their computers for paint brushes to give the city's Redbridge sports hall a makeover.
Originally part of the old Redbridge Community School, which was demolished two years ago, the sports hall com-plex was retained and leased to Southampton Amateur Gymnastics Club (SAGC), with grants from the city council and the National Lottery allowing for structural refurbishment.
The sports hall, having stood empty for two years, was badly vandalised and in disrepair.
Over the past 30 years, hundreds of local gymnasts have benefited from SAGC. Many have gone on to compete at regional and national level. The club also provides coaching for children with special needs.
The volunteers from Skandia's marketing department stepped in when SAGC was given just two weeks to transform the abandoned complex into a state-of-the-art gymnastics facility.
The team spent the day cleaning, painting and getting the hall ready to receive its brand new tumble track, sprung flooring, mats and other equipment.
Skandia's decorating efforts were boosted by B&Q Millbrook, which donated £200 worth of materials as part of its Better Neighbour Grant scheme, and by Southampton hardship charity SCRATCH, which donated 100 litres of paint.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article