E.ON apprentices take part in community project

A group of five apprentices working for graduate jobs provider E.ON have taken part in a week-long team activity to transform a local amenity in Derbyshire.

The Pinxton Community Gardens now has decking, a wheelchair ramp, a picket fence, a new notice board and a drainage channel thanks to the volunteers.

James Hall, one of the five technicians involved, said the exercise was a tough challenge, adding: 'I don't think any of us will forget this experience. It's a great idea, a way of getting to know each other as well as helping people who need it.'

According to the organisation, E.ON employees spent over 13,000 hours on volunteer projects for the local community in 2008, including support for schools and older people.

Last month, the utilities provider announced that it has submitted plans for a 150MW biomass-fired power plant in North Somerset.

If successful, the facility could generate enough energy for 200,000 homes.