CLACKS school pupils have been rewarded for their innovation after receiving an award at a prestigious ceremony in Edinburgh.

Pupils at Lornshill Academy were one of 40 schools across Scotland to be rewarded for their commitment to social enterprises at the 12th annual Social Enterprise in Education Awards.

The Wee County pupils were given their honour after starting the citizenship café in the school.

The café, which is open five days a week, is a hub for the whole community with parents and businesses able to use it freely.

A number of the children went to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Wednesday, June 19, to collect their award from Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

As reported in the Advertiser at the time of launch, the café was set up as a way to allow pupils to gain real work experience while in school.

It was also viewed as a creative way to have the pupils engage with the wider community on a more regular basis.

Julie Connelly, one of the teachers behind the initiative, said at the time of launch: "Our pupils have worked incredibly hard setting up and running this initiative, they are a credit to Lornshill Academy.

"We are delighted with the progress of the Citizenship Café so far and are excited to see how our pupils will continue to develop their enterprising skills and engagement with the wider community in the future."

Several politicians also joined in congratulating the project.

Luke Graham MP said: “I was so impressed with the S5s and S6s running the café.

"You often hear people putting young people down, but these students have taken a brilliant idea and run with it.

"The café is a fantastic opportunity to take part in a real business, learn new skills and get involved with their local community."