A north Norfolk playground has been given a mini makeover, thanks to a pair of manufacturing engineers who gave up their time as part of their employer's scheme to allow staff time off to work on community projects.

Rob Emery and Dave Harding, who work at Fluke Precision Measurement, Norwich, decided to spend a day giving a set of bouncing pole swings at Sheringham's Cromer Road playground a much-needed coat of paint after signing up for the Fortive Day of Caring initiative, which is run by Fluke's parent company.

The scheme has seen Norwich-based employees revamp elderly people's gardens, pack Christmas hampers for disability charity Break and build rabbit hutches for a Norfolk animal sanctuary.

Mr Emery, who lives at Sheringham, is a committee member of Sheringham Playpark Revamp Group, which, since being set up five years ago, has raised thousands for new equipment, improving the junior play area and installing a bucket swing, a giant rope swing, a rocket climbing frame, picnic tables and new football goals.

The group's latest project - a Viking-themed adventure play ship accessible to children with disabilities – has recently reached its £20,000 fundraising target, thanks to grants from Sheringham Town Council and North Norfolk District Council's Big Society Fund.

Mr Emery said repainting the 5m-high swings had been quite a challenge as layers of old paint had to be scraped off.

He added: 'This seemed like an ideal opportunity for us to give something back to a worthwhile community project and it is the sort of job that, without volunteers, would never get done, as well as a good example of how the community coming together can really make something happen.'

Sheringham Playpark Revamp chairman Emma White thanked the pair for their efforts.

'When we started the playpark project, it was always meant to be a community affair and Rob in particular has always been keen to get people involved,' she said. 'It is great that he and Dave have shown what we can achieve ourselves with a little paint and elbow grease and we hope their efforts will incentivise others.' To find out how to support Sheringham Playpark Revamp scheme, visit the group's Facebook page.