A FRESH coat of paint will greet children when they return to their playgroup next month, thanks to the brushstrokes of more than 20 volunteers.
Reigate High Street Playgroup's home – two rooms in Reigate Methodist Church – were looking distinctly tired until volunteers from the group, the church and Redhill and Reigate Round Table spent dozens of hours repainting and rejuvenating it.
John Hill, chairman of the church's property committee, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and the playgroup is too.
"It is so much better and lovely conditions, it makes everyone that bit happier when they go in there."
Members of the Redhill and Reigate Round Table gave their time as part of an annual event to help out a worthy cause, called the Big Dig.
They have previously helped to create a garden for Brooklands School and an outdoor play area for Sandcross Infant School, both in Reigate.
Vice president Morgan Arnell said: "The spirit of the Big Dig is all about the Round Table members rolling up their sleeves and giving up their time and enthusiasm for a couple of weekends in the summer to give something back to the community. A lot of effort and planning went into this year's event and we are extremely proud of the outcome.
"We're also grateful to the support we've received from local businesses, the Methodist church and the playgroup parents, many of whom turned up with brush in hand to help us out."
"We do this every summer, so we are always on the look-out for next year's project," he added. "If anyone has any ideas, they are welcome to contact us through our website."
Brewers donated £1,000 of paint for the project.
