CARING youngsters have supported a number of charities as part of a project which teaches them the importance of being ‘good citizens.’

A total of 12 schools from across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire took part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), resulting in £36,000 being donated to worthy causes.

Each school was tasked with directing a £3,000 YPI grant to a local charity through a programme of teamwork and research.

This year, eight schools from Renfrewshire took part, including Castlehead High and Gleniffer High, both in Paisley, as well as Linwood High and Renfrew High.

Their respective charities were Barnardos, Brightest Star, which supports bereaved parents, St Vincent’s Hospice and Blue Triangle, which aims to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

Among the schools from East Renfrewshire which took part in the project, which is run by The Wood Foundation, were Mearns Castle High, in Newton Mearns, Williamwood High, in Clarkston, and St Ninian’s High, in Giffnock.

Mearns Castle gave its £3,000 to substance abuse charity Preshal Trust, Williamwood High supported the Glasgow South East Foodbank and St Ninian’s was another school that supported Brightest Star.

Scottish philanthropist Sir Ian Wood, who is chairman of The Wood Foundation, said: “YPI is one of our most exciting programmes.

“So often, it is a young person’s first experience of philanthropy, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore the big social issues on their doorstep and advocate passionately on behalf of the charities they visit.”

The pupils from Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire were among those who gathered in Perth for a special celebration to mark its success.

They were able to hear an inspirational speech by Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, Dame Katherine Grainger, as well as hearing about the achievements of others involved in the project.