BUSINESSES came together to help spruce up the hidden jewel in Braintree's crown.

The Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens are maintained by team of volunteers who rely completely on donations to pay for the upkeep.

The Braintree District Foundation managed to put the gardens in touch with Tesco and Wyevale Garden Centres, who were more than willing to help.

Alex Cook, store manager at Tesco in Market Place, said: "More than 100 employees have given up their time from as far as Baldock.

"The people who use it love it here, but the rest of the community do not seem to be aware that it is here.

"The volunteers come here because of their love for the gardens, it means so much to them."

Wyevale donated all the plants for the project, while Argos Braintree donated a water butt and Cool Beans cafe provided hot drinks, Ground Force more manpower and famous rose breeder David Austin Roses even donated a fresh batch for the gardens.

The group of handymen and women also installed a new fountain, donated by Tesco, as well as painting, repairing and decorating some of the buildings around the gardens.

Marion Mallett, one volunteer from the gardens, said: "It means a huge amount to us, not only the cost which they have paid the brunt of but also the man power - this is probably 10 years work for us."