Sick kids at Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch will benefit from the hard work carried out by a group of kind-hearted apprentices from BAE Systems.

A total of 136 inspiring apprentices from defence manufacturer BAE Systems, which operates the Scotstoun shipyard, gave up their own time to transform the garden at the hospice.

They introduced some much-needed colour, using their newly learned skills to landscape and renovate the space.

The garden is a focal point for the patients and families who regularly visit, however the charity is heavily reliant on volunteers to help maintain and upkeep the six acres of land.

The BAE Systems apprentice council worked with CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) to organise and deliver the 20-week project, which involved apprentices volunteering their time and skills.

This essential work means that the children and families who use the service have an inspiring outdoor space to relax and unwind in a natural setting.

Maggie Brown, the only paid gardener at Robin House, said: “I really appreciate all the help we’ve received from the BAE Systems apprentices over the past couple of months.

"I manage the six-acre site, with the help of my amazing volunteers.

“Having the apprentices here for two months has really helped me concentrate on the horticultural side of the gardens while they took care of transformational renovations.

“Apprenticeship projects like this one mean a great deal to our ecosystem at CHAS.

“On behalf of our staff and of course the families who find respite and adventure in our gardens all year round, we give hearty thanks to the apprentices for putting their skill, time and soul into the work.

“We hope they found this experience as rewarding as we have. The results are just astounding.”

The apprentices contributed a total of 886 hours of work.

They helped to rebuild the retreat area, constructed the bridge sides and power painted them so they will last with minimum upkeep.

The volunteers also built a new ramp for the play area, created new troughs for plants and metal poppies for their remembrance garden, weaved the willow bushes into a maze for the children to enjoy and regularly mowed and weeded.

A spokesperson for BAE Systems said: “This project with CHAS was a great way to support and connect with a local charity, whilst also supporting behavioural development and drive positive mental health.

“The apprentices were able to help others and try new things using all the skills they have learned through their apprenticeships.”