A CARING group of children at a Johnstone after-school service have been taking part in a knitting project to help those in need.

Youngsters aged between nine and 11, along with other volunteers, have been busy creating squares for blankets that are being distributed to elderly people in the local area.

The project has been taking place at Johnstone Out of School Service, based in Auchenlodment Primary, for the past few months.

Child support worker Elaine Sparkes told The Gazette: “This project began when the news headlines intimated that fuel prices were going to soar which would have a significant affect on the vulnerable especially the elderly, so the knitting of squares for blankets was born.

“I then discussed the idea to my manager and the children, then to parents and staff, and was overwhelmed by the positive reactions.

The Gazette: Ava Hurley and Lucy McKeown knitting squaresAva Hurley and Lucy McKeown knitting squares (Image: Newsquest)

“So we had everyone, including grannies, aunties and friends. knitting squares - 700 hundred in total.”

The after-school service has now teamed up with Johnstone-based charity Active Communities, whose knitting group were also working on a similar project, to distribute the blankets to those in need.

Elaine said: “We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who took part in this very worthwhile cause.

“We strive to give our children a voice and opinion, to give them a chance to achieve their goals and self worth, to encourage them to think of others and the environment around them. 

“This is why the project was so important to take part and help others in their community.

The Gazette: Youngsters focus on the taskYoungsters focus on the task (Image: Newsquest)

“The children enjoyed working together as a team and learning something new and challenging.”

Liz Devaney, volunteer co-ordinator for Active Communities, added: “We were delighted to help Johnstone Out of School Service distribute their beautiful, handmade blankets.

“People are still trying to cut down on their heating bills and what better way to help than with a cosy woollen blanket?

“Our Community Pantry is busy every week and we know the people who come along will be delighted to receive one of the blankets.

“Thank you to everyone for working so hard to create the blankets and for donating them.”