generous staff from Rayleigh Weir's Wickes DIY store have given a run-down preschool play area a Garden Invaders-style makeover.

Workers at the Stadium Way building supplies warehouse gave up their own time to revamp Fairways preschool, inspired by the popular BBC programme.

The Wickes team took up its up tools as part of parent company Travis Perkins 1,000 Projects in 1,000 Places in 1,000 Days initiative, after getting a letter from the Leigh preschool.

Staff fixed fences and mended a playhouse, dug a new vegetable patch and laid decking and soft-bark flooring for the children to play on.

Store manager Rob Ashdown, 29, said: "Seeing happy children enjoying their new play area made the whole thing worthwhile.

"It felt a bit like being in one of those TV renovation programmes where they go out and do up a building or garden for somebody.

"There was so much to do. The playhouse and seating area needed a lick of paint and new line markings had to be drawn on the playground.

"We also created a fenced-in garden area where the children can learn about the environment by growing their own vegetables and flowers.

"The store donated all of the materials and staff gave up their time to give the place a revamp.

"It was a real team effort and we were pleased to help."