OLDER pupils at one primary school have been offering the hand of friendship to younger children with their new friendship stop.

The site, in the playground of Unsworth Primary School, in Blackley Close, Unsworth, was the idea of former teacher Mrs Jen Smith, who taught at the school for 30 years.

When she left last year, she paid for two friendship benches for pupils. These have been set in the playground, in front of a bright mural, to be used by pupils who are feeling lonely.

Headteacher, Christine Reynolds, said: "The children can sit on the benches when they feel they need a friend and we now have a team of older pupils who keep their eye on the benches at break times so hopefully no-one is left out."

The special friendship team of five wear red caps so that they can be easily recognised, while they play with the younger children and make sure everyone in the playground is happy.

The mural at the friendship stop, of a boy and girl in school uniform, was designed by pupils from Castlebrook High School, in Parr Lane and unveiled in June.

Mrs Reynolds added: "The friendship stop has been a positive experience for the pupils. If there is any trouble, the team try to deal with it and report back to me any difficulties. But the younger pupils seem to respect the older ones, so it has been going quite well."