Four Scottish Water workers have taken advantage of their firm's community volunteer project to help out at a nursery in Livingston.

Four volunteers from the utility's Intelligent Control Centre carried out various tasks to improve the outdoor play area, sheds and gardens at Woodlands Early Learning Centre in Deans.

Their jobs included clearing, sanding and painting storage sheds and the youngsters' much-loved wooden reading room.

They also levelled and filled planters for the children to grow flowers and vegetables as part of their nature learning.


Richard Purves, who leads the volunteers who all work in the centre's Improvement Hub and Development Team, said: "Woodlands ELC has been a big part of my life as my wife, Tracy, has worked here for many years and two of my children attended here as well.

"When I found out the garden and playground at Woodlands were starting to look a little worse for wear I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to do something that will benefit the children and staff.

"It was also great for me and my colleagues to work together out of the office and do something different away from the computer, spreadsheets and maps."

All Scottish Water staff are entitled to two days of leave every year to volunteer and help in the community.

Kerry Ann Hollywood, Early Years Officer at Woodlands, said: "We want to say a big thank you to the team from Scottish Water for their hard work painting the outdoor sheds and reading room. Our outdoor area looks great again and will continue to be a lovely space for our children to learn in."

(MH/CM)