THE gardens at St Ann's Hospice in Little Hulton are in full bloom thanks to volunteers from a training company.

A 27-strong team from MBL Seminars in Worsley brought colour to the flower beds and planted shrubs in the hospice grounds in Meadowsweet Lane.

MBL Seminars, a professional development company, had already donated more than £5,000 to St Ann's.

Director Graham Dutton said: “It was nice to get staff out of the office and do some physical work instead of our usual desk jobs. Everyone really enjoyed it.

“Five different groups took part and I'd like to thank all those who were able to support this fantastic local charity.

“We've organised quiz nights for the last couple of years in aid of St Ann’s and as the next step, we wanted to see what else we could do apart from donate money.

“Helping out in the gardens seemed a useful way to get as many of our team as possible involved.”

Volunteers included client relationship manager Mike Charnley, from Monton, who raised more than £700 by taking part in the Great Manchester Run.

St Ann’s corporate fundraiser Helen Gazard said: “We’re extremely grateful to everyone at MBL Seminars for all of their support, both fundraising and volunteering.

“The work they have completed in our gardens has made a massive difference to patients who are able to look out and enjoy the flowers from the comfort of their rooms, or when sitting outside in the lovely weather.

“We couldn't keep the hospice running without such support.”

St Ann's has 772 volunteers and it is estimated they save the hospice around £572,000 a year through their various roles.