PUPILS at a Barrhead primary school had fundraising on their minds when they hosted a special fun day.

Springhill and Auchenback Primary youngsters laid on food, drinks and entertainment for guests in an attempt to raise enough money for a 'mindfulness garden' – complete with an environmentally friendly learning area and a solar dome.

But the fundraising was not limited to the garden party, as several pupils also saddled up for a sponsored cycle around Dams to Darnley Country Park.

Staff at the school were so impressed by the pupils’ passion – several classes drew up their own eco-friendly plans – they led a group of kids around the town on a leafleting campaign ahead of the fundraising events.

Teacher Sandeep Kaur, who kept a watchful eye over proceedings, praised the youngsters for their initiative and enthusiasm.

She said: “The children had planned the day from start to finish.

“They used their skill of persuasion and contacted various local businesses and found the community of Barrhead to be very generous.

“These kind offers continued to roll in and donations and prizes grew, all helping to add to our raffle draw.

“All the children showed such commitment and were able to implement skills for the world of work.

“We hope that the money raised will bring about a positive change in the school’s outdoor environment and, with the commitment and assistance of parents and the local community, we hope this venture will be a great success.”

The concept for the mindfulness garden project came on the back of the school being praised for its “caring atmosphere” in an education report issued earlier this year.

As the first East Renfrewshire school to be inspected under a new self-evaluation framework, teachers were judged on factors such as raising attainment and achievement.