Volunteers have swapped calculators and corporate suits for grooming brushes and overalls for a day.

The group from Barclays Wealth in Ipswich helped out at Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare (SESAW) in Leavenheath on Tuesday, undertaking such varied duties as dog-walking and painting. Several of the volunteers were so taken with home’s furry residents that some even decided to adopt animals.

Volunteer Carol Walsh, 36, said: “Every year, Barclays encourages all employees to take part in ‘Make a Difference Day’ and because some of our staff have volunteered at SESAW before, it was something we were all keen to support. We’ve completed all kinds of activities, and there are a couple of dogs and a cat that have even found new homes.”

SESAW fundraiser, Pat Ferdinando, added: “The team has been great, walking dogs and cleaning out kennels, but they have also been doing essential maintenance and seasonal jobs like painting to keep the buildings up to scratch and clearing leaves. These are the kind of things that our regular volunteers don’t get time to do, so we are really grateful.”

SESAW is appealing for people to sponsor an animal at the home in the lead up to Christmas.

To register your interest, visit www.sesaw.co.uk and e-mail for details.