The Transformational Living Centre, a shelter for homeless women and their children soon to open on Parsons Road in Pembroke, got brightened last month by big-hearted volunteers from a local insurer.

Sheelagh Cooper, the chairwoman of Habitat for Humanity, said: “Who knew the staff at Freisenbruch-Meyer were such talented gardeners?”

She said staff from the firm turned the courtyard of the shelter, opened by Habitat with the Women’s Resource Centre, into “a lovely oasis and flower garden”.

Andy Wright, chief executive of Freisenbruch-Meyer, said company volunteers rolled up their sleeves with gardening tips from MDM Landscaping.

The courtyard now features a herb garden for the facility’s new residents.

Mr Wright added: “The next phase will be helping with the shelter’s internal and external needs.”

Ms Cooper said: “The need for such a facility has never been greater.

“We are so grateful that Freisenbruch-Meyer has joined in with the myriad companies that have enabled this project to be completed well under our original cost estimate.”