A donation of aggregates from Hanson's Whatley quarry near Frome is providing people with mobility needs the opportunity to access a secluded woodland in North Brewham, Somerset.

The company has donated 560 tonnes of scalping material to the Olga's Community Wood charity project, which is being spearheaded by Whatley resident Paul Williams in memory of his wife, who dedicated her life to the health and wellbeing of others.

The project on Pinkwood Lane was set up to provide a fully accessible woodland for individuals and groups to use as a place to reconnect with nature and interact socially.

The material provided from Whatley quarry has allowed the group to construct a 1,500-metre circular pathway through the wood to allow access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

"Without Hanson's support, the project would not have come to fruition," said Paul Williams, founder of Olga's Community Wood Paul Williams.

"There are simply not enough words to express my gratitude to the team at Whatley quarry for this exceptional contribution to the community which enables access to this local woodland for all to enjoy, from school children with additional needs through to the elderly.

"With the help of various groups we've planted 6,000 indigenous British bulbs including native blue bells , snow drops, wood anemones and lily of the valley, and we still have another 10,000 to plant so hopefully there will be a real splash of colour next spring."

Hanson operations manager Vincent Pitt added: "We are committed to making a positive contribution to the local community and this is just the sort of project that we are delighted to be involved with: one that uses our essential building materials to provide a real benefit."

In the last 12 months Hanson has supported 29 community initiatives in the East Mendips with pledged donations totalling almost £40,000. Applications are prioritised within the BA11 postcode, particularly those within a three kilometre radius of the company's Whatley and Westdown quarries. Details of how to make an application for funding, materials and/or volunteer support can be found at: www.hanson-communities.co.uk/en/whatley-and-westdown-quarry-community-page/supporting-the-community

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Access for all: Hanson project manager Justin Collis (left) with Whatley team member Beki