CRAFTY youngsters have sewn a string of jackets and beds for dogs in Barrhead.

Pooches in the area are set to leave their old winter coats and resting places behind and enter the new season with a spring in their step, thanks to children who attend weekly sewing classes in the town.

Young girls who participate in the sessions at the Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire (VAER) base in Kelburn Street have created a whole line of items for which will be given to nearby dog charities.

The group also rolled out a welcome mat and set out some doggy treats for a special canine visitor called Sugar who was brought to the venue by a charity worker.

Francesca McKay, community arts hub development worker at VAER, leads each session and is hopeful more boys will join the club for future events.

Speaking after the event on Saturday, March 18, Francesca said: “The children who were taking part do a weekly sewing class and we did a workshop for dogs. It was a one-off but we’ll probably do some more.

“They were making dog beds and dog jackets for local dog charities. It’s part of a bigger project here about sewing and upcycling.

“We upcycle old clothes. The weekly class runs every Tuesday for kids aged eight and up but it’s made up of all girls at the moment. The workshop runs from 4pm to 5pm.”

She has encouraged adults to bring kids along for a taster session, adding: “It’s a really good skill for the children to have and parents will be surprised how quickly their kids pick it up.”

To find out more information about the weekly classes, or to reserve a space for your child, contact VAER on 0141 876 9555 or find them on Facebook.

Alternatively, send a message to the organisation’s Facebook page.

Search for ‘Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire SCIO’ to get in touch with organisers.