Pictured above: Dig deep - garden tools are needed to help (from left) Michael Wadland, Karen Ward, a cardboard cut-out of TV gardener Charlie Dimmock lending moral support, and Karen Baldyga, of Pertemps People Development Group, tackle restoring the Old Library gardens in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Residents of a Warwickshire town are being asked to dig out their old unwanted gardening tools to help a group of volunteers who are working hard to restore gardens.

Volunteer Graham Bell said they were hoping a plea for any old garden tools would pay dividends as the group of 13 set about their task of restoring the Old Library gardens in Avenue Road, Leamington Spa.

"Local enterprise Action 21 has loaned us some tools and Warwickshire College has donated surplus spades and an edging tool," said Graham, from Sydenham. "More are needed so that we can ensure everyone is fully involved and we keep the momentum going. The project has further inspired me to offer my services to Community and Voluntary Action in the town."

The group, ranging in age from 24 to 59, are all engaged on courses run by Bath Place tenants Pertemps People Development Group, the employment experts who help people back to work in the town.

The latest 'Ground Force' challenge has been organised by trainer Karen Baldyga who explained what the volunteers will gain. She said: "A huge amount of weeding and pruning has already taken place and the dead ivy has been removed from the front of the building. The teamwork going on is amazing and the project is clearly helping individuals within the group to blossom and develop new skills. As a result the library gardens should be restored to some of their former glory."

The plan is to establish low maintenance gardens in keeping with the historic landmark built in 1900. Graham said the head gardener at Hill Close Victorian Gardens has also provided invaluable advice to the volunteers about garden restoration and conservation.

After a fire last year, over 400 volunteers worked tirelessly to refurbish the interior of the building resulting in Bath Place Community Venture opening to the public in January 2010 and enabling a range of local facilities to be provided once more.

Bath Place volunteer co-ordinator Carole Shuttleworth said the garden makeover would complement the ongoing refurbishments, giving the once derelict building a key role in the area's regeneration.

If you have any tools you no longer require, or can donate any plants, the group would love to hear from you. You can reach Karen on 01926 440170.

PPDG's team of employment experts provide advice on benefits, confidence building, one-to-one support, CV and interview preparation, and finding the right job or training course. PPDG works in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and other organisations to deliver employment and training initiatives including Flexible New Deal, the Working Neighbourhoods Fund and Learndirect training programmes.