They were building 63 citrus sculptures which will decorate Banna Avenue during the Festival of Gardens.

Organisers were ready about 6.30am, moving bins full of oranges, lemons and grapefruits into position.

They estimate 10,000 pieces of fruit donated by the Real Juice Company will be used to make everything from Griffith’s biggest guitar to a grand piano and even a giant foot.

Mark Owen from Owen Toyota said they had been involved in the annual event for about 20 years.

“The truck started life as a kid’s toy,” Mr Owen said.

“When we started doing the sculptures we just added some fencing mesh to it and it became a frame.”

Each of the sculptures had a solid frame underneath with a similar mesh covering to which hundreds of rubber bands were attached. It was then a simple matter of slipping the band around the fruit.

“Oranges and grapefruits only though,” Mr Owen said, “this thing is no lemon.”

Mirella Guidolin was the coordinator for the event and was pleased at the number of people who came to help.

“Last year we had about 800 volunteers and it looks like we’ve got as many again this year,” Ms Guidolin said.

“As it grows in popularity it makes it easier for everyone to get them finished.”

Students from Marian Catholic College finished their sculpture early, as did the Scouts, but instead of leaving they all moved on to help someone else.

“It nearly brings tears to the eyes to see all of these people helping each other out,” Ms Guidolin said.

“There are some great community groups here.”

Two hours in, East Griffith Rotary Club arrived with a barbecue for the volunteers. Bertoldo’s Bakery had donated some bread rolls and major sponsor Real Juice had donated some drinks.

After two weeks, the volunteers will descend once more and dismantle the sculptures, taking the frames away to wait for next year.

For those concerned about waste, all of the leftover fruit will then be turned into juice.