M&S aims to spark good deeds across the nation

Joanna Lumley and Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland launch the company's new 'Spark Something Good' campaign at the unused rooftop of 18 Gray's Inn Buildings, London.

The actress has joined forces with Marks & Spencer to launch a new initiative called Spark Something Good, which aims to inspire M&S’s employees and customers around the country to grab a shovel, pick up a paintbrush and generally do good deeds.

Yesterday, in London, M&S kick-started a project to complete 24 community projects around the capital in 24 hours.

The company aims to encourage its 34 million customers to spend some time helping their local community.

Projects completed yesterday included a scheme to transform an unused London rooftop into a colourful children’s play area. Other volunteers renovated a community farmyard and provided a new dining room for a busy soup kitchen.

There are plans for projects in a further 24 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland over the next 24 months.

Ms Lumley, who starred in the glitzy sitcom Absolutely Fabulous in the 1990s, was joined by Marc Bolland, the CEO of Marks & Spencer, at the launch.

She said: “This isn’t just about today or even tomorrow. It’s about the cumulative effect of people giving back to their community over time.

“We want to make people happy and spark a relay of good deeds across the nation and we need your help now.

“The potential is simply enormous.”

To find out more, visit the Spark Something Good website: www.marksandspencer.com/getinvolved.