YOUNG people at two Sauchie schools are benefitting from a donation of stationery as they return to full-time education.

The town's Craigbank and Deerpark primaries have received 150 full pencil cases between them to make the start of the new term a little bit easier.

The donation was recently delivered by Kate Turner and Craig Miller of Sauchie Community Group, where members were hoping to support families hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis.

Craig, co-community manager at the group, told the Advertiser: "We are delighted to be able to donate these stationery packs to Craigbank and Deerpark Primary school.

"Last year's school year abruptly ended in March because of the Covid-19 crisis and the young people are returning to education after a summer of lockdown, one unlike any in our memory.

"Sauchie already has one of the highest rates of poverty in Scotland and regrettably unemployment has increased over the summer meaning more families are left with very little, or no disposable income."

Throughout the lockdown, Sauchie Community Group has been able to support people in the town by utilising funding awarded by the Big Lottery.

The group has funded food parcels, provided direct support, online activities as well as fun activity packs for young people.

Craig added: "As well as providing funds for food parcels throughout the summer and activity packs, we are pleased that we can provide pencil cases full of stationery for the young people to start their new term.

"On behalf of everyone at Sauchie Community Group we wish all the pupils, their family and the teaching and support staff a happy and healthy school year."