STAFF from Standard Bank have given up their free time to help out at a community farm project in the Isle of Man.

A team from the bank spent a weekend at Wallberry Farm on the Carnane Estate to help The Children's Centre transform the area before it opens in spring.

They cleared land around the farmhouse and outbuildings and planted more than 300 hedge plants along the farm's perimeter in order to provide shelter for the crops and animals which are due to be introduced in the next few weeks.

The Children's Centre's Community Farm is designed to be a place where children, young people and families can spend time learning about gardening, agriculture and the countryside.

It will offer year-round activities including looking after a selection of animals including pigs, goats, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, hens and workshops on sowing, planting and growing crops.

John Coyle, the chief executive officer of Standard Bank Isle of Man, said: "To reinforce our commitment to the local community while giving something back each year our staff take part in a community project that supports a chosen Isle of Man charity or association. 

"This year we chose to work with The Children's Centre to lend a hand to support their new farm initiative which also provides the staff with an alternative team building exercise.

"Everyone who took part in the project over the weekend thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and are looking forward to returning to the farm to see the animals enjoying their new habitat."

Chrissy Cannell, farm development officer at the Community Farm, said: "We are so grateful to the team from Standard Bank for all their hard work and we cannot thank them enough.

"The farm truly is a community resource and with the support from organisations like Standard Bank we hope to create a therapeutic and nurturing countryside environment for children and young people where they can grow their social skills and self confidence as well as providing opportunities to learn and develop new practical skills."

For more information on The Children's Centre click here.