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Graduates from Tata Steel have spent two days shovelling dirt and building raised beds at Caerphilly’s Van Ward Allotments.

The scheme saw six staff from Tata Steel, two of which work at Catnic in Caerphilly, spend Monday May 13 and Tuesday May 14 “giving back” to the community.

A cheque for £500 was also presented to the allotments in Castle Park, with hopes that the money will go back into the allotment, which boasts more than 100 members.

Tracey Davies, chair at the allotments, said she was contacted by Tata after the launch of the site’s social prescribing video, aiming to get more people immersed in nature to help improve mental health.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Tracey said: “The video we put out has had a huge ripple effect I believe. Once people know about a project they’re keen to get involved.

“When they’re finished here, we’ll have two accessible raised flower beds and three herb beds, all of which will be used by the community.”

Tracey explained that thanks to Gwent Association of Voluntary Associations (GAVO), the allotments received £2,500 worth of funding for the material to make the beds.

“We have quite a long waiting list on the raised beds as they’re so accessible and easy to use. People think ‘yeah I can do that’.”

Brydie Connolly, who works at Catnic’s manufacturing site in Caerphilly, was busy levelling beams and digging soil when she stopped and spoke to Caerphilly Observer: “We’re out here today just trying to make a difference in the community.

“Its been very wet and difficult; the weather has not been on our side but we’ve met with a few of the members who are here every day and they’ve been a great help.

“We’re hoping when everything is done this’ll service the people of Caerphilly and the surrounding area.”

Once finished, the plots will have a plaque installed on them thanking Tata Steel and Robert Price Builders Merchants for supplying the materials.

Tracey thanked the volunteers for their efforts, as well as Tata Steel for the donation, adding: “With this contribution, we will be able to enhance our allotments, making them more accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community.”