STAFF from Asda at Rawtenstall have given up scores of hours of their free time to help paint and decorate a nursery in the town.

Store "handyman" Jim King even gave up a full week of his holidays to join in the work.

About 10 members of staff, from the shopfloor to check-out operators, have helped with the work at the Cherry Tree Nursery's new premises in the Balladen.

Store events co-ordinator Yvette Jackson said: "About three months ago we were provided with £300 from Asda House community fund to spend on a local community project.

"We were made aware that Cherry Tree Nursery, a self-funding pre-school group, was having to move premises from Bury Road to Cherry Crescent and that the premises needed to be painted and decorated."

Volunteers from the store have been putting in several hours of their time each week, with Jim even forfeiting his week's holiday to make sure the premises were given the much-needed facelift.

Store staff were busy this week putting the final touches to their work.

The nursery is now closed for the annual holidays and will re-open at the beginning of September.

It is planning an open day on August 25.