STAFF from a housing association have been getting down and dirty in a hospice’s gardens.

More than 30 staff from Thamesmead’s Gallions Housing Association, including chief executive Tony Cotter, helped reclaim half an acre of overgrown land at the back of Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice, in Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood.

The project was part of an initiative by Gallions to help improve the environment and give something back to the community.

Hospice chief executive Jim Bennett said: “Our gardens cover an area of five acres and so we’re always on the lookout for volunteers to help with maintenance.

“I want to thank all those from Gallions who took part.

"Their efforts have helped to greatly enhance our outdoor space and make life a little bit more comfortable for our residents.”