A delegation of staff from local construction firm GRAHAM have been volunteering in community gardens in Belfast as part of Business in the Community's Get Diggin' Initiative.

A partnership between Groundwork, the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, Get Diggin' allows prisoners and young offenders who are reaching the end of their sentence to maintain the grounds at Hydebank Wood.

The gardens are therefore kept in good condition for the public to enjoy, while the prisoners gain qualifications and skills ahead of their release.

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William Drennen, an Apprentice Joiner with GRAHAM and Alex Catney, who works as a General Operative, both spent a morning last week weeding, watering, seed sowing and clearing ground on the site of Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison.

The initiative took place during National Allotment Week (12-16 August), giving firms an opportunity to send volunteers out to lend a hand at gardens in their local community. It is designed to encourage team building and help offenders develop skills and engage with local communities.

Amy McBride, Assistant Community Benefit Advisor, GRAHAM, said: "Get Diggin' is a fantastic initiative and we are very pleased to have been involved. The team had a great day, sharing skills whilst also learning some new ones. We are proud to support local communities around our building projects and look forward to working in partnership with Business in the Community in the future."