PCs will be swapped for paint-brushes as Bristol volunteers take a break from the office to help schools, communities and charities across the city.

From Monday until June 19, staff at financial services employer AXA, based at Stoke Gifford, will be rolling up their sleeves to help those in need.

One charity benefiting is Bristol Zoo which will get new shelving in the education department. The shelves will be used to display items that have been confiscated by customs such as ivory, a rhino tusk, animal skins and a crocodile skin handbag.

Dr Jo Gipps, director of Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: "The work done by AXA, as with all the organisations that kindly take part in our corporate challenge events, is of great benefit to the zoo. We are very grateful that they have offered to give up their time to help us."

In Bristol, AXA's Community Challenge has taken place every year since 1993. It is believed to be one of the biggest business-led volunteer events in the UK and will save the community thousands of pounds in materials and labour costs. Bristol-based staff will donate in excess of 8,000 working hours this year.

Tina Hornsopedersen, team manager for AXA, said: "Bristol Zoo is part of Bristol's heritage and helping them to re-vamp their education department will ensure that visitors will get even more out of their day. So far we've raised £500 to complete our challenges and there are 32 of us helping out.

"It should be a really productive and fulfilling day."