A BRACKNELL school was given a helping hand in setting up a garden by a technology company.

Senior managers from 3M sites throughout the country came together for a day’s hard labour to help with the projects at Garth Hill College, in Bull Lane.

About 80 managers from the company took part in a working party programme earlier this month, with one spending the day at Garth Hill and three elsewhere in the community.

The team from 3M that visited Garth Hill worked on preparing ground, including moving several tonnes of topsoil, so an area can be used by pupils to plant flowers.

Peter Rayman, the college’s inclusion support officer, said: “The garden is going to be an area set aside for the students to cultivate and grow flowers and produce.

“It will give the students experience and build their confidence in their abilities – but first we needed help in doing the heavy work in preparing the area. The 3M team did a magnificent job in getting it done for us.” The work was part of the company’s 1,000 hours community challenge to be completed by senior managers during 2014.

3M managing director Paul Keel was among those rolling up their sleeves and getting digging and said: “It was a really good day.

“Our 1,000 hours community challenge gives 3M the opportunity to strengthen the community in which we operate and we’re delighted we’ve been able to make a real difference.” Keith Grainger, Garth Hill College principal, said, “We are all so grateful to 3M and team of volunteers. They did a fantastic job and transformed our garden. Sincere thanks to all the 3M team on behalf of everyone at Garth Hill.” Other 3M teams prepared a wildflower meadow at Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare in Warfield; san-ding, painting and varnishing outdoor benches and tables for the Ravenswood Village centre for people with learning disabilities at Crowthorne; and repairing paths at Snelsmore Country Park in Newbury.

A video of the day’s events can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyPTUiJWqyE&feature=youtu.be