Port Glasgow mum's buddy benches in St Francis Primary

Sarah Jane Cannon, who is a member of the parent council at St Francis Primary, has led the way with the project, and there are now three brightly coloured seats in the school grounds.

She drafted in help from friends including Louise Gault, who has a photography studio, and William Peacock, of Platinum Paving, who both made donations, while the Inverclyde Shed team made the benches.

Now there will be no children left on their own at playtime or during the lunch break, something that Sarah Jane says is close to her heart.

Sarah Jane Cannon with son Kian Rush (Image: George Munro)

"My son Kian has recently been diagnosed with autism," she told the Tele, "and to be honest he is doing great.

"But I know, as a parent, I have worried over the years about him.

"Every parent worries about their children having someone to play with. 

"We have all had that moment when they come out of school on their own, and it is heart-breaking. 

"I think the buddy bench is such a brilliant project. The children go and sit on the bench if they are looking for someone to play with. The other children see them there and know to go over to them. 

"We were delighted to have the support of local businesses, and we have such a great school community."

Sarah Jane Cannon (Image: George Munro)

Kian, aged 9, said: "I think it is a great idea. The benches look great. It is good to have a buddy bench for everyone."

The three benches, painted in bright colours, are now strategically placed in the nursery school, the P1 to P3 playground and the P4 to 7 playground.

As well as thanking Louise and William, the parent council singled out John Cook from the Inverclyde Shed for his help on the project.

Louise said: "We are delighted to support St Francis Primary. I am a regular visitor in the schools with my photography studio, taking photographs of the primary ones. 

"It is great to be able to give back to the community. I think the Buddy Benches are a great idea."

The buddy bench scheme is one of many projects delivered by the St Francis Primary parent council, who also stock a uniform bank in the school to help families throughout the year.

Sarah Jane Cannon in the uniform bank at St Francis Primary. (Image: George Munro)

St Francis Primary parents organised a uniform exchange in the town this summer, and any items left over were donated to all the schools directly.

Sarah Jane added: "It makes a real difference if parents even need one or two items throughout the year that the kids have grown out of.

"We want to help in whatever way we can."

Parents are welcome to drop in to the school office and search the uniform rail for items that they may need throughout the school year.