Generous wildlife lovers have devoted their time to building a new home for ducks at a sanctuary.
The volunteers were given time off work as part of the Ford in the Community pilot project and opted to help out at Benfleet Wildlife Sanctuary in Watlington Road for a week.
Veronica Mepham, who owns and runs the reserve, said: "The team of office workers has been absolutely marvellous.
"We now have a magnificent pond for our ducks which was badly needed.
"They helped to build a fox pen and a hedgehog house and if they have enough time they were going to build a pen for the deer.
"They have been working so hard and we are so grateful to them.
"They are even talking about coming back next time to put up some aviaries. That would be wonderful."
Splashing time - the volunteers stand back as the ducks dive into their new pool
Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
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