IAN CLARKE They were thrilled to be the givers rather than receivers of help. And the efforts of members of a group for people with learning difficulties will be enjoyed for the first time by children at a primary school this week.

IAN CLARKE

They were thrilled to be the givers rather than receivers of help.

And the efforts of members of a group for people with learning difficulties will be enjoyed for the first time by children at a primary school today.

Nearly 20 members from the About With Friends group worked tirelessly at Holt Primary School on Saturday to turn a corner of the field into a new fenced-in vegetable garden which will allow pupils to grow their own produce.

The smiles on the faces of the volunteers as they used spades, saws and hammers summed up what it meant to them to help.

Matthew Jeavons, 36, from Cromer, spoke for his fellow club members as he said: "We get helped a lot and we like to help back."

Katie Read, 19, from Walcott, added: "I am sure the children will be really happy when they see it. It has been a really nice day."

Project director Helen Dalton-Hare said the club aimed to give members a social life and be part of the community and she said they had already done work for others by taking up gardening for elderly people.

"They want to give something back and do not want to receive all the time."

The club teamed up with Chris Wright, project manager of Roots and Shoots at Holt Hall, to do the work.

"It has been a fantastic day and to see them all turn up and work all day has been great."

School deputy headteacher Rosemary Jeffery said: "It will be a lovely surprise for the children and they will love it."

More information on About With Friends is available on 01263 722547.