A RESPITE centre for adults with learning disabilities has been given a facelift by an Oxford church.

Two hundred members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints off Abingdon Road took part in the Mormon Helping Hands community project.

Armed with garden tools, paint brushes, elbow grease and a large dose of community spirit, the group renovated the grounds and buildings at the Ridgeway Partnership respite care centre in Saxon Way, Marston.

Offices, bedrooms and communal rooms were redecorated, gutters emptied and checked, handrails built and garden areas constructed.

Curtains and cushion covers were also made by the volunteers.

Stephen Howes, 50, from Steventon, near Didcot, volunteered for some painting at the centre with his son Seth, 10.

The chartered surveyor said: “This is the fifth year running people from the church have taken part in this sort of community project and I think the staff really appreciated our efforts.

“All the raw materials were paid for but I think the work we did must have been worth thousands.

“We have completed similar projects in the past at schools in Reading and Newbury – and although you can only do so much in one day it’s good for us to get involved in this way.”

Respite centre manager Janice Tattershaw said: “We have wanted to renovate the centre for two years.

“We are so grateful that so many have given up their Saturday to do this for us.

“Not to mention all the preparation hours beforehand.”

The five-bedroomed centre for 60 adults with learning disabilities is run by the Ridgeway Partnership, also known as Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust.

The centre is fitted with hoists and special bathrooms and the care provided for guests means their parents or daily carers can take a break.

Adults with learning disabilities, aged 18 and 65, can visit the centre for a cup of tea, or for a short stay.

Trust spokesman Claire Guard said: “The support from the church has been invaluable and has enabled the trust to bring forward some decorating that would have taken place in the next financial year.”