REPORTERS swapped their notebooks and pens for spades and dish cloths to help out at Winchester charity.

Reporter Chris Atkinson and head of news Andrew Napier spent last Friday at Unit 12, the arts and community hub in Winnall Valley Road.

The pair worked in the community garden with its designer Ester Hack, cutting the grass and weeding.

Unit 12 manager Lara Tarrant said: "Maintaining the garden has proved difficult this year with the rain and the sun, it's grown very fast, and we are reliant on volunteers to help us. Volunteering is key to our success and we welcome all volunteers what ever their skill set."

Then Chris and Andrew washed up more than 200 glasses and mugs, as Unit 12 upgrades its kitchen for use by centre users.

Unit 12 is a not for profit organisation with many critical services such as the Community Food pantry. It is the base for Winnall Rock School and Integr8 Dance School.