COMMUNITY spirited employees from GE Healthcare gave up their time for good causes as part of the multinational company's Global Community Days Week.

The week was designed to encourage regular volunteering as part of the Little Chalfont based company's scheme.

More than 100 employees from the company opted to get involved, and between them they donated an impressive 720 voluntary hours.

Last week 35 members of the IT department helped with various tasks at the Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles. They took part in gardening at the museum's new allotments, and planted several pumpkins in preparation for Halloween.

Staff from the engineering, facilities and human resources departments tackled the thick bracken surrounding Tylers Green First School, in School Road, Tylers Green, paving the way for a new outdoor environmental studies area.

Headteacher Angela Styles said: "They have been brilliant. We couldn't have achieved so much without the help of GE's volunteers. The children will love this area".

Meanwhile, a team of laboratory technicians, security, fina-nce and HR demonstrated their skill with paint when they brightened up the walls of the science department. at Amersham School, in Stanley Hill.

Members of the organisation also took part in activities at St Francis Hospice, Shortenhills Environmental Centre, Woodrow High House, The Leonard Cheshire Home and The National Childbirth Trust.

Tom Ward