STAFF at a Wee County school have been using their skills to help others in various ways during the coronavirus pandemic.

Overseen by home economics teachers Linda Millar and Helen McDermott, staff at Alva Academy have been making scrub bags and special face masks.

Scrub bags, to transport work clothes, have been donated to hospitals and care homes with NHS Forth Valley recently expressing its gratitude on social media.

The face masks will be on sale at the secondary school's reception, priced at £3 or £5 for two.

Proceeds from the sale of masks will go towards this year's Macmillan fundraising efforts – an annual highlight at the Hillfoots school.

Indeed, Covid-19 means that the charity campaign for Macmillan will need to be very different and there are already a few ideas being drawn up to keep supporting the good cause.

Meanwhile, the staff at Alva Academy have also been knitting pairs of woollen hearts to donate to residents at care homes.

The idea is that people will keep one heart and give the other to a loved one to keep until they can meet again.

The drive to knit pairs of woollen hearts was started by Rhona Skinner, who leads the knitting club at the school.

Staff were keen to get involved and developed some skills along the way too.

Even some parents indicated they are keen to help out and give up their free time, showing the community spirit is alive and well at Alva Academy.

Linda Millar, home economics teacher, said: "It's very good to use the practical skills we all have to help others and provide a bit of comfort during this strange time.

"It has been lovely to see so many people signing up to give up their valuable time, but it is the least we can do.

"If it brings a smile or helps someone then it is worth every second."