Eight members of HMS Quorn spent two days helping to build a water fountain at the rear of the complex in Leicester Road, working in partnership with Melton Council and Melton in Bloom.

HMS Quorn was given Freedom of the Borough last year and to mark the affiliation, Captain Matt Bowden was keen to get involved in a community project.

Lt Tim Montagu, who was one of eight sailors who spent two days at the sheltered accommodation, said: "We came to Gretton Court last year and did some planting. This year we are building a water fountain.

"It's very important for us to establish links with the community and we've been very pleased to come to Melton to help out with this project and spend the day with the residents at Gretton Court."

Mayor of Melton, councillor Pam Posnett, who was instrumental in getting the crew on board the project which will be Melton in Bloom's entry this year, said: "Captain Bowden wanted the crew to do something they would not normally do, a team building exercise which allows the crew to get to know each other in a different way. The project will be so beneficial to residents. Water is very calming and will hopefully attract wildlife and give residents an extension to living at Gretton Court."

Melton Council provides vans, spades and other equipment needed to complete the project, Melton in Bloom provides the flowers and funds for the fountain and HMS Quorn provides the manpower.

Councillor Margaret Moore, who has spearheaded the campaign to transform the grounds around Gretton Court, organised a tea dance for residents, raising £183.

"We also had an anonymous donation of £200 towards the scheme. This really is a community project and will be such a fantastic asset when finished."

Bedding will be planted over the next few weeks before judging in July.

The team expressed huge thanks to Melton firms Hire Station which loaned a digger free of charge, and Jeakins Weir which provided a driver for the digger.

* The Melton in Bloom team is made up of: Chairman Margaret Pearson, plant co-ordinator/garden designer Marie Walters, vice chariman Andrew Cooper if Melton Town Estate, treasurer and borough councillor Margaret Moore, Melton Council's team leader for the horticulture and arboriculture section Sarah Allen, and a host of volunteers.