HELPERS from the former Mondelez International factory in Banbury have brought a splash of colour to a local nursery.

A team of six from the Ruscote Avenue complex’s engineering department gave up two days of their time to repaint the Hobby Horse Children’s Centre in Mewburn Road.

Playground equipment received a lick of paint and large murals were added to cover the whole of the playground floor area. A large rocket, Eric Carle’s Hungry Caterpillar, a ladybird with spots to count and a racetrack for children to ride toy cars on have also been added.

Following a deal between confectionery firm Mondelez International and coffee company Douwe Egberts, the factory is now known as Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE).

Hobby Horse centre manager Helen Collins said: “I cannot thank the team from JDE enough. I know the children will gain many hours of fun and enjoyment from their hard work.”

This is the second time volunteers from JDE have helped out at the centre. Earlier in the year, after putting their plans to paint the murals on hold due to rain, the team painted the walls of Hobby Horse’s the baby room instead.

Electrical maintenance manager Matt Hopkins said: “We’ve had a really enjoyable day. It’s great to know that all the children at the centre will benefit from the time we’ve spent here.”