CHILDREN at a Johnstone primary are asking people to share their stories of the town as part of a school project with a difference.

The ‘town trail’ of tales and anecdotes is the brainchild of Auchenlodment Primary teacher Sam Atkinson, with children planning to mark the location of each story with a QR (quick response) code which can be scanned with a smartphone to reveal details of ‘hidden histories.’

Using a map created by pupils, people will then be able to follow the trail at their leisure and unearth some of the lesser-known stories that have helped to build the Johnstone community.

Mr Atkinson, who teaches a primary four class, told The Gazette: “We’re looking for stories about local history or funny or eccentric family stories related to the town and the people who live here.

“We want to hear the anecdotes or memories we tell our families when we get together at Christmas or on birthdays but that we never think to share with anyone else.

“It’s all of these shared stories that make up the community and so, no matter how big or small the story is, we would like to hear it.”

Mr Atkinson is also keen to hear of any “myths and legends” about the local area.

He added: “It would be really nice if this could be something that future generations of schoolchildren build on, so it becomes more permanent within the town.”

It is hoped the map will be available in the likes of local shops and GP surgeries and that the best stories will be printed and distributed in the community for those who don’t have a smartphone.

Funding worth £500 has been secured by the school from Book Week Scotland, which will partly go towards the equipment needed to get the trail up and running.

In conjunction with the event, which runs from November 16 to 22, writer Lindsay Littleson will also be hosting four virtual workshops with the school.

The former Kilbarchan Primary teacher is the author of children’s novels such as a Pattern of Secrets, set in Victorian Paisley, and will be using her experience researching historical novels to help pupils learn about the writing process and how they can do their own research for the town trail project.

Story suggestions for the town trail can be emailed to gw18atkinsonsam@glow.sch.uk. Alternatively, call the school on 0300 300 0145.