Green-fingered reporters used a charity scheme launched by their publisher to lend a hand at a community garden.

Basingstoke Gazette journalists Emily Roberts, Kiran Sajan and Christopher Atkinson spent a day volunteering with the space run by Inspero, a Hampshire charity that promotes healthy eating and living through d growing and cooking programmes.

They spent a day with the charity under a scheme run by Gazette owner Newsquest, whereby staff are given one paid day off each year to help with volunteering projects in their area.

Inspero works with both young people, including children with special needs and older people in the Basingstoke area, teaching them to have a better understanding about food and have a positive attitude to healthy food choices.

From left: Basingstoke Gazette reporters Christopher Atkinson, Emily Roberts and Kiran Sajan

The journalists spent their day at the community garden planting hanging baskets, cutting hedges and painting.

Emily said: “We all had a very enjoyable day under the expert guidance of Fiona Lyon who showed us what to do. I also learned a few things which I’ll be able to take away and use in my own garden.

“It was extremely rewarding supporting a local charity and finding out more about the amazing work it is doing in the community in which I live and work.

“All the volunteers were so welcoming and friendly. They are doing an amazing job and have created such a beautiful haven in our town for everyone to enjoy.

“The benefits of spending time outside enjoying nature are well-known and Inspero is providing a space for everyone to benefit from this.”

The 38-year-old senior reporter added: “I’m really grateful to Newsquest for allowing us to take time out from our busy job to support the people in our community who are working hard to make our town a better place, and to spend time outside enjoying nature. Even if my arms were aching the next day.”