Wednesday 30th March 2011

A green fingered dad from Chesterfield has been helping his son's school improve their eco- credentials as part of his employer's Volunteering Grants Programme.


Yorkshire Bank Customer Service Officer Christopher Newton pictured in the school's 'Eco-garden' with son Lawrence, right, (reception) and Y2 pupils William & Darcey

Dad-of-one Christopher Newton, 48, from Hasland has been supporting Hasland Infant and Nursery School's outdoor projects since 2008 and has now donated a total of £2,000 that has been made possible by Staff Volunteer Grant donations from Yorkshire Bank.

Christopher is Customer Service Officer at the bank's Chesterfield branch and his son Lawrence, 5, is in one of the reception classes at the school. Christopher is also a governor at Hasland Infant and Nursery School and has been involved in the development of the school’s eco projects for a number of years.

His donations have been used to fund a bird box and observation camera as well as a wild flower meadow and this latest contribution will fund the creation of a new bog garden area to enable pupils to learn about local wildlife and conservation.

Yorkshire Bank's Staff Volunteer Grants Programme funds charitable initiatives that its employees are passionate about. Employees can apply for a grant of up to £500 if they are involved with local community groups in their own time. This includes local charities or not-for-profit organisations such as schools, brownies, scouts or sports groups. The money helps the groups continue their work in the local community.

Christopher said: "I'm delighted that my latest donation will enable Hasland Infant School to make another addition to the brilliant eco friendly garden area. The school is very focused on teaching the children about wildlife and sustainability and I’m sure the children will get a lot out of watching the bog garden develop.

"It's brilliant to be able to give something back to the local community and Yorkshire Bank has made a real difference to Hasland school and enhanced the children’s learning experience."

Jacqui Atkinson, Community Affairs Manager at Yorkshire Bank said: "Yorkshire Bank's Staff Volunteer Programme recognises the great community work our employees are involved in outside of the bank's own extensive volunteering programme. Any employee that is involved in a charity or not-for-profit organisation in their own time is eligible to apply for a grant.

"We actively encourage our employees to become involved in voluntary work within their own community and our grants programme is just one way we can support the valuable contribution they make in helping others."

The staff grants are provided through the Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank Foundation, a registered charity established by the Banks in 2008.

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