SNAPSHOT: The great outdoors

A full-scale deluge failed to dampen the spirits of these hardy people taking part in a British Trust for Conservation Volunteers programme repairing footpaths on Ben Damph in the Scottish highlands. The trust has been inundated with volunteers for its 10 conservation holidays being held over Christmas and New Year under the campaign banner "Giving the Environment a Christmas Present to Remember". The environment and conservation charity has signed up more than 100 volunteers. Other activities include protecting dormice habitats in Gloucestershire, hedge laying in Cheshire, and planting indigenous trees in County Down. The charity attracts volunteers aged between 16 and 80, who each pay £30 to £100 for a weekend or week away.