Elstree-based construction company John Laing Partnership has raised £17,000 for children's charity the NSPCC.

The firm raised the cash over 2002, using events such as corporate golf days, sponsored cycle rides, softball matches and a day when company directors cleaned staff cars for a fee.

Representatives from the firm's social and charity committee visited the NSPCC's Treetops project in Hemel Hempstead to hand over the money, where Paul Gulliver, Laing's regeneration manager, said: "The work that goes on here is vital.

"It gives us great pleasure to support such a positive organisation."

The Treetops project operates throughout Hertfordshire, and provides support and counselling services for abused children, their parents and carers.

Children's services manager Paul Ringer said: "NSPCC runs 180 projects including those like Treetops across England, all working towards our aim to end cruelty to children."

This year John Laing Partnership's chosen charity is the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

May 7, 2003 16:00