SOGGY but smiling, volunteers set to work creating a garden at a care centre for disabled children.

On Wednesday 12 volunteers braved downpours to spend the day working at the TOGs (Torfaen Opportunities Group) centre in New Inn, Pontypool.

The centre offers care for disabled babies and children aged up to five and their families.

The team was put on to the task of creating a sensory garden at the centre by Business in the Community - an organisation which helps companies get involved in volunteer work to boost team spirit, personal skills and to put something back into local communities.

Judith Kirkby, project manager at the centre, said: "The idea of a sensory garden is to have sounds, smells, colours and textures to stimulate the children and be a safe environment for them."

Herbs, wind chimes, flowers, ferns and a brightly-coloured jungle mural are among the sensory stimuli at the TOGs centre's new garden.

Ms Kirkby said: "It used to be inaccessible for the children because it was on a steep incline. Local builder Jeff Parfitt kindly volunteered to come and level the site off for us and lay specialised flooring."

And the workers from Thomson Financial Services stayed cheerful despite the rain.

Business in the Community team co-ordinator Rob Symons said: "The weather conditions weren't ideal - it absolutely poured down. But we had people painting under cover and everyone stayed positive."

l To find out more about business volunteering log on to www.bitc.org.uk.