Employees at a Newhaven firm are leaving their offices and workshops to create a rather special garden.

Primary school children will benefit from the new science and environmental area created by Cash Bases.

In a Ground Forcestyle operation, the firm's employees are renovating wasteland, disused buildings and a pond at Meeching Valley Primary School in Newhaven, so pupils can use it to learn about the environment and nature at first hand.

One building will house a green club and another will be used for science projects. It is also hoped to create a bird-spotting hide.

This is the first project in a series to help five local schools.

Cash Bases, which employs more than 200 people making cash drawers for tills, is donating 500 employeehours and the materials.

The company has been involved in local projects and charities since its foundation in 1982 and receives many requests each year.

This initiative sees a more co-ordinated approach to community involvement after discussions with a consultancy Corporate Re:Action.

Director of human resources Mike Hannay said: "We want to develop a long-term relationship with the community and the initiative with local schools is ideal.

"Community involvement is part of our business strategy. People expect more from a business than merely producing a product service.

"Employees expect more than just a pay cheque. It is important for us to be an employer of choice in the area."

Meeching Valley head teacher Mary Young said: "The children came up with the idea for the makeover and now they will be able to have outdoor science lessons and the green club there."

Diane Scott, head teacher of Denton Primary School and schools co-ordinator for the projects, said: "This is just the start of what we hope will be an exciting and meaningful relationship between Cash Bases and the schools."