STAFF from a Runcorn company gave up their time to help homeless people.

A team from Yokogawa UK Ltd on Stuart Road, Manor Park constructed and filled timber beds for the Barnabus allotment project.

Employees from the Japanese electrical engineering and software company said they really enjoyed the voluntary work.

This Christian homeless charity in Manchester offers a lifeline to 600 visiting homeless and vulnerable people each week.

The centre provides food, clean clothing, blankets and healthcare.

Every week a group from the centre travels to the allotment to prepare the soil, plant and nurture a wide variety of plants and vegetables.

The activity promotes a sense of community, increasing self-esteem and wellbeing and offers the opportunity to learn new skills.

Produce grown is shared among the homeless, used for meals at the centre or is sold to fund the charity’s activities.

Julie Smith, credit controller for Yokogawa, who organised the event said: “It was great to get the team involved to make a difference in our community.

“The work they do at Barnabus is amazing and the staff and volunteers bring hope and help to homeless and vulnerable people.”