Glaxo staff swap test tubes for paint brushes as part of community project

ELBOW grease and a coat of paint courtesy of Barnard Castle’s biggest employer helped the town’s arts centre.
GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) staff descended on The Witham on Monday to help lend a hand with some renovation work being carried out.
Sponsored by Glaxo worker and Barnard Castle resident Ken Proud, the volunteer team helped with gardening, cleaning and a spot of heavy lifting.
Tom Stanier, from The Witham, said the help was much appreciated.
“With such a small team and only myself, doing the maintenance with a team of 14 volunteers is fantastic,” he added.
“We are trying to make the building more appealing to increase footfall – we are still fundraising for signage on the front of The Witham to give us a more prominent place on Horsemarket.”
Staff from GSK help out on community projects throughout the year as part of their “Orange Day scheme”.
GSK worker Ali Welford added: “It’s something for a good cause and a bit of free labour.”