GREEN-FINGERED shopping centre staff stepped “intu” the wild to tame bushes and plant shrubs to brighten up St Vincent’s Hospice.

Along with workers from Cardwell Nurseries, the volunteers spent a day working at the Howwood hospice, tidying up the garden and adding new plants.

The project was part of intu’s company-wide initiative encouraging staff to help support a charity or community work.

Hospice trust fundraiser Katrina Vine told The Gazette: “We are extremely grateful to the team from intu Braehead and Cardwell Nurseries.

“Our courtyard area was tired and overgrown and the difference the intu team has made is immense.

“It now offers a tranquil and peaceful area.

“We rely on our volunteers to help in many different areas.

“The team helping with gardening and landscaping not only created a better environment for our patients and their families, it also saved us money, allowing vital funds to be directed to patient care.”

Lydia Brown, community development manager at intu Braehead, is delighted the gardening initiative has been such a success.

She said: “Our staff volunteering to help good causes is one way we show that intu Braehead wants to play a positive role in our community.”

If any local charities or community groups need help with tasks such as landscaping, gardening, painting and decorating or repairs to damaged property, they should send an email to braehead.community@intu.co.uk, or call Lydia on 0141 885 1441.

St Vincent’s Hospice cares for those with life-limiting illnesses across Renfrewshire. A dedicated team of volunteers help out in the charity’s fundraising shops and in the hospice itself but there is always room for new recruits.

To help, call 01505 705 635 or send an email to volunteering@svh.co.uk.