A NEW bench at St Catharine’s Primary School in Chipping Campden is set to spark friendship among students.

The school’s new Buddy Bench has been installed in the playground, replacing a friendship sign which had broken.

A competition was launched by the school council to design the bench, which was won by year five pupil Phoebe Hope with her friendly sunshine face creation.

The children also organised an event to purchase the specialist paint for the bench and a new sign with a set of ‘Playground Promises’ to promote positive playground behaviour.

Headteacher Joanne Welch said: “The pupils have shown great enthusiasm to get involved in the project and look for ways to help each other.

“It is lovely to see the children demonstrate such care for each other. So many lifelong friendships of course start in the school playground.”