Albrighton activity centre tidied by volunteer team

A West Midlands activity centre that welcomes around 7,000 young people each year has been given a major clean-up - thanks to the hard work of Selco volunteers.

Colleagues from our Wolverhampton store spent a week clearing laurel, brambles and ferns to make space at Patshull Activity Centre in Albrighton.

The 30-acre site supports children and young people from all backgrounds, including scouts, guides and cadets.

Store Manager Craig Dickinson said: “We had a team of 18 colleagues working at the site in groups of four or five from Monday to Friday.

“The amount of work we managed to complete was fantastic. When we arrived we couldn’t see the ground in some areas, but now there are places for the kids to play.

“Scouting holds a special place in my heart and I was an adult volunteer until Covid struck. This was a way for us to give something back to our local community. I’m really proud of the team and everything they have achieved.”

Every member of Selco's near 3,000-strong workforce receives a paid volunteering day each year to lend support to a community or charity project.

Craig added: “It’s so good that Selco gives us that opportunity to volunteer. It makes a real difference.

“It is also a great teambuilding opportunity and allows colleagues to see each other in a different setting.”

Richard Shackleton, a Trustee at Patshull Activity Centre, said: “The support from Selco has been tremendous. We’re a large site in the heart of a Capability Brown estate, and while we have around 60 volunteers, keeping on top of it all is still a challenge.

“Many businesses come for a single day - but to have Selco’s team with us for a full week has been fantastic. Their efforts will help us provide a wide range of safe activities for young people.”