‘Buddy benches’ with an important message have been installed in an Angus school playground to encourage friendship.
If a child feels lonely they can go to one of the two benches at Warddykes Primary School in Arbroath which will be a signal that they want someone to play with.
Warddykes New Parent Council ran a Christmas fair in November which was attended by more than 250 people and raised £2,000 following the support of local businesses and the community.
The parent council wanted to spend the money on something that would benefit the children and parent council member Julie Hartley came up with the idea of buddy benches which could be installed in each playground.
They were unable to find any designs they liked and decided it would mean much more if the children designed their own.
Julie said: “I’m excited to see an idea turned into something amazing.
“This is the type of thing the parent council love being involved in and it’s so positive for the children with a very important message behind them – be kind to others.”
The school ran a competition where the pupils were invited to design a buddy bench which prompted more than 150 entries.
Arbroath East and Lunan Independent Lois Speed judged the entries.
Lilli-Jane Buchanan, 11, was chosen as the winning design for the P4-P7 bench.
Liam Wood, age 7, drew up the bench design which was chosen for the P1-P3 playground.
Tom Harris-Ward, a local chainsaw craftsman, agreed to make the benches.
Parent council member Lyne Souter said: “The benches will be a great addition to Warddykes Primary School playground.
“If a child feels lonely, they can go to the bench as a signal that they need someone to play with.”
Ms Speed said she was overwhelmed by the quality of entries for what she described as “a heartwarming project”.
“I absolutely love this project and all that it stands for,” she said.
“It was such a privilege to be asked to select the two winning designs.
“However this was no easy task as each child managed to capture and express just how important friendship is.
“The standard of entries was hugely impressive and made my decision especially difficult.
“I want to say a huge well done to everyone who took part especially Lilli-Jane and Liam whose designs are fantastic.
“I’m sure the benches are going to be well used and it’s especially heartwarming to know that they have the potential to make a real difference.”
