More than 5,000 National Trust employees are being given 2012’s leap day (29 February) off work to volunteer in their local communities.

The so-called ‘Local Leap’ is to celebrate the importance of local volunteering as the Trust, which itself is supported by more than 62,000 volunteers, aims to build links with its local communities.

Volunteering will cover a wide range of activities, including litter picking in town centres, tree planting, decorating hospices and schools, helping charities complete grant applications, and developing local campaigns to save a derelict building.

Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, who will be volunteering with her local Riding for the Disabled stables, explained: “The Trust knows first-hand how important volunteering is. We simply couldn’t function without our 62,000 volunteers.

“Through 'Local Leap' we want to get to know our local communities even better, and build new relationships into the future. As anyone who volunteers knows, it is a hugely rewarding experience, and I hope 'local leap' will encourage others to volunteer anywhere in the country.”

'Local Leap' follows a similar initiative four years ago when the charity’s employees were given a day off work to make green improvements at home.