CRUISE firm workers have rolled up their sleeves in partnership with a Southampton charity.

Fresh from announcing the pairing in May, Carnival UK employees have begun donating their time at Mayfield Nurseries. Since the partnership began, it has raised almost £9,000.

The nursery offers a place for those with mental health issues and learning disabilities to get involved in community activities through gardening therapies.

Ahead of the nursery’s sale event at the start of the week, team members from the Southampton-based cruise company have been volunteering at the nursery.

With tasks ranging from manual labour to watering and weeding, the volunteers potted plants, painted the café and sheds, and weeded greenhouses.

Head of Mayfield Nurseries, Rachel Hampton said: “This is an amazing opportunity for us to have Carnival employees on site to help with jobs that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to achieve.

“It’s a testament to Carnival that their partnership goes beyond fundraising, by also allowing their employees time to support us in more practical ways.”

The charity is a social enterprise project that relies on donations and volunteers to continue its work. Last year, volunteers contributed 8,247 hours of their time to the charity. So far, the pairing has raised £8,676.40 for the nursery.

Senior vice president for revenue management, Nigel Esdale said: “Mayfield Nurseries plays a hugely important role in the community and really changes the lives of local people in Southampton.

“Carnival UK is working to recognise the incredible work the charity does by internally raising money. Now our team is volunteering its time to help with some of the manual work. They assisted with various tasks around the nursery from painting to digging, all in aid of supporting those with mental health illnesses.

“The team are happy to get their hands dirty for a great cause, and we are extremely proud to help the charity and the amazing work it does.”