Southend Metro Bank workers shovel the shingle for Estuary Festival

Metro Bank workers from Southend get a “Day to Amaze” every year to support charities in their area, and staff at the branch in the Victoria Shopping Centre chose to help the Focal Point Gallery.

The gallery’s installation is part of the Estuary Festival for 2021, a 23 day arts festival that celebrates the lives, landscapes and histories of the spectacular Thames Estuary.

On Southend Pier, Metro Bank’s store manager, James Farmer, assistant store manager Vikki Grindrod and customer service representatives Megan Lee, Alex Tozer and Will Alston, all helped move over two tonnes of shingle and soil for planting shrubs as part of an open air community art project.

This also features a floating sculpture designed by New York artist Mary Mattingly moored just off the pier.

Alex Tozer and Will Alston

Ms Grindrod said: “As a community bank, we love using our Days to Amaze to support local good causes.

“I absolutely love helping out in the community as you learn so much about what’s going on your doorstep.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will be going back to visit to learn more about art in the community and estuary life.”

Mr Farmer said: “It was great to get out of the store now the lockdown restrictions have started to lift and meet people from across the area all working together for such an inspiring and original addition to our community. “

Customer service representative Will Alston added: “Because we were there towards the end of the project being completed, we got to see it come together and how it will finally look.

“It not only felt good being part of a local project to highlight our area, but also so rewarding to help out.”

The Estuary Festival is running until June 13.