Helping an Ely resident whose back garden had become overgrown was all in a day’s work for a UK Power Networks’ communications team.

When the five-strong squad teamed up with volunteers from Ely charity Helping Hands Gardening scheme there was no shortage of effort as they lopped, strimmed, raked and chopped their way through the undergrowth that had engulfed a resident’s 100ft back garden near Ely Cathedral.

Ely Standard: Helping an Ely resident whose back garden had become overgrown was all in a day’s work for the team.Helping an Ely resident whose back garden had become overgrown was all in a day’s work for the team. (Image: UK Power Network)

The charity Voluntary Community Action East Cambs (VCAEC), is based in Ely and operates several schemes to help the community.

The team cleared the garden back to grass, re-edged a paved path, and left plenty of shrubbery for the plethora of Red Admiral butterflies and ivy bees to enjoy.

Ten massive bags full of garden growth filled the charity’s lorry and were sent for recycling.

The electricity company gives staff two paid days a year to volunteer in the community, and employee Carolyn Bramble said: “We were told it would be extreme gardening but actually with plenty of muscle power and enthusiasm it was manageable and very rewarding to see the difference we made.”

Angela Haycock the CEO of Voluntary Community Action East Cambs said: “It was great to work in partnership with a group of enthusiastic and hard working volunteers from UK Power Networks.

"The team worked hard for the Helping Hands Gardening scheme who assisted an Ely resident with their overgrown garden. The resident was very pleased with the outcome and I hope that the volunteers enjoyed their day in Ely.”