Volunteers from the Brighton and Burgess Hill offices of American Express raced against time to build a children's outdoor play area in an afternoon.

The team dug out the garden, moved plants, including a tree, and flattened out the ground before constructing a jungle gym, donated by Amex, at The Martlets Hospice in Hove. Others painted window frames and helped the team out.

Hospice spokesman Robert Griffiths said: "Our objective is to improve the quality of life for terminally-ill people.

"The play area will not only provide a fun diversion for young children visiting their relatives, it will be situated so patients can enjoy watching children playing there.

"The hospice is dependent on local support and this activity is an excellent example of how other businesses in the area can help us."

The Martlets was always looking for volunteers to help in a wide range of activities, he added.

This was the second group challenge organised by David Rooke, vice-president at American Express, with his staff.

He said: "This was a great idea which benefits both Amex and the hospice. We've spent a lot of money in the past on companies who contrive team-building activities, but this is the real thing.

"It brings the team together, helps others, costs next to nothing and, most of all, it is great fun."

The challenge was suggested by a member of Mr Rooke's staff who had been funded by Amex to work as a volunteer at the hospice for the past six months.