A BORDERS primary school has two new additions to its playground thanks to the fundraising efforts of a P2 pupil.

Two new Buddy Benches have been installed in Melrose Primary School in time for when children return after the summer holidays.

Buddy Benches aim to help youngsters feeling lonely during break times.

The new benches came about after P2 pupil Kit Chamberlin had a conversation with Scottish Borders Council (SBC) senior social worker and unpaid work manager Hayley Wilson.

In order to bring the benches to life, Kit has spent his summer holiday raising money to cover the cost of materials, while Ms Wilson secured a team of individuals undertaking unpaid work through SBC's justice services team.

Kit said: "This summer I’ve been selling my best cakes and fundraising online for the wood, and I can’t wait to show my friends the new benches back at school.”

Buddy Benches are seats in the playground where children can go if they feel lonely or do not have someone to play with.

The deputy headteacher at Melrose Primary, Natasha Cranston, said: "We could not be more grateful for all the help we have had this summer from the unpaid work team.

"Not only have they helped with the Buddy Benches, but they’ve also spent time prepping a wall at the school for a mural – a big part of our exiting new playground project which is transforming all our outdoor areas at the school.”

Councillor Tom Weatherston, executive member for social work and community enhancement, added: “The Buddy Bench scheme provides an important and helpful source of support for our young people and all credit to Kit for showing such initiative and enterprise in helping to make this happen."

There are a number of ways in which the unpaid work service can help in the local community.

Mr Weatherston said: “The team is always keen to hear about opportunities that might be suitable for them to support.

"Examples of the type of work they undertake include the manufacture of items such as picnic tables, planters, benches and items for schools, upkeep and construction of paths and fences, helping community groups with community gardens and allotment sites and assisting with community responses to weather events such as flooding and snow clearing.

“They also help vulnerable individuals in the community who benefit from support such as garden clearance and tidying, fence painting, removals etc.”