Staff at a children’s hospice welcomed volunteers from the South African High Commission as part of celebrations for Mandela Day.

They showed their community spirit by working in the hospice gardens during one of the hottest days of the year.

It was the third year in succession that the High Commission has spent the special day at Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton.

The trip was arranged to coincide with the 95th birthday of former president Nelson Mandela, known as Madiba throughout South Africa, on a day celebrated worldwide as Mandela Day. The volunteers worked a symbolic 67 minutes to represent the years the ex-South African President spent serving his community, his country and the world.

Mandela Day has been celebrated since 2010 and aims to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and in doing so build a global movement for good.

Rachel Power, Director of Human Resources and Engagement at the Richard House, said: “It was brilliant to see such wonderful community spirit on a special day for South Africans.

Carol Mabuza, First Secretary at the High Commission, said: “It was a really enjoyable day and we are proud to be able to help such a fantastic organisation. Nelson Mandela has always cared deeply about children, so it was great to help out at Richard House Children’s Hospice for Mandela Day.”