A family-run business has extended the hand of generosity to a wildlife and conservation charity.

St Brides Wentloog-based Hopkins Machinery has built on its relationship with Gwent Wildlife Trust by becoming Platinum Business members of the charity.

The business specialises in agricultural, plant and utility vehicle hire and sales. It is a supplier to the likes of the Celtic Manor Resort, WRU, FAW and Newport Gwent Dragons.

Gwent Wildlife Trust’s fundraising officer Robert Magee said: “We are delighted that this well-known and highly regarded family-run business has joined us as Platinum Business Members.

"We look forward to growing our relationship with it by sharing knowledge and experience.

"As well as it supporting us, we hope our expertise in nature conservation may help the wildlife at its premises such as barn owls.”

Hopkins Machinery’s operations manager Evan Hopkins - grandson of the company's founder Ted - said he was more than happy to support a cause close to his own heart and his family’s business.

He said: “Gwent Wildlife Trust is very important to me personally, as I love wildlife and did a degree in zoology at Reading University.

“Building on our good relationship with the trust is also significant to us, as our business is based within a Site of Special Scientific Interest at the Wentloog Levels, which is part of the Gwent Levels.

“It is vital to take care of this precious environment, so that’s why we support the trust and its invaluable conservation work.”

The support includes loaning the charity an off-road Kubota rough terrain vehicle throughout this winter.

It will be used by the trust to access their reserves and carrying out essential winter maintenance including fencing, hedge-laying and checks on the conservation grazing cattle and sheep.

To find out more about Gwent Wildlife Trust call 01600 740600 or visit www.gwentwildlife.org.