A NEW café has been unveiled in Alloa Academy which will be run by pupils with a view to giving them skills they can use when they leave school.

As part of the school's strategy to develop the young workforce, the school has worked in partnership with the parent council and the local community council to open a coffee shop on site.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, November 26, Johnny Stewart, the Lord Lieutenant for Clackmannanshire, officially opened the cafe and praised the pupils and partners for their entrepreneurship.

He said: "It is a pleasure to open such a forward thinking enterprise.

"It not only supports the young people in preparation for the world of work, it makes the school even more welcoming for the community."

The senior pupils who run the coffee shop have all received basic barista training and can make delicious drinks to serve to the learning community.

Nicky Giuliani, one of the school deputes, has been instrumental in leading this initiative.

He said: "The coffee shop offers us opportunities to develop our learners leadership, helps develop their skills in working with money and builds their experience of customer service.

"I have loved seeing how pupils, parents and staff have worked in partnership."

The pupils are understandably very proud of the cafe with Kim Johnston, head girl, Jack Carberry, head boy, and Ethan Richardson, a prefect, all attending the opening ceremony.

Jack said that being part of the shop will allow him to seek jobs when he leaves school.

He added: "I now have the skills that when I leave school, I can work in a coffee shop whilst studying".

Ethan, meanwhile, feels that building the furniture for the shop has honed skills he can use when he moves on.

Colin Bruce, headteacher, insists the students should be immensely proud of their efforts.

"There is a real buzz about the project," he said.

"The pupils, parents and staff involved should take great credit for making this possible.

"I'm sure it will be a success and a fantastic addition to Alloa Academy."