A couple are celebrating a woman who took in her grandchildren by helping to build a play space in her back garden.

Sarah and James Thomas are helping to build the space for Marion Cook and her two grandchildren, Jaxson and Callum.

Marion took in her two grandchildren after their mum, Laura Newland, died shortly after giving birth to Jaxson, now six years old. Her neighbours are looking to share their appreciation for bringing up the two children.

Sarah, who works for financial service provider OneFamily, said: “This was a great community effort and I was proud of the different companies and people all coming together to make this happen.”

Marion added: “I’m so grateful to all involved in this. It will make a huge difference to the boys when finished.”

The couple, from Portslade, began the project by breaking up concrete in the Marion’s back garden in preparation for work.

Alongside Sarah’s parents, David and Ann, the group were able to clear the back garden with a skip donated free of charge by Rabbit Skips.

Work has now begun on supplying a play area for the two children.

Portslade councillor Peter Atkinson, who visited the works, said: “It was wonderful to see businesses playing their part in this and then a privilege being able to work with Sarah, David, Ann and Jack to clear the space for the next stage of work.”