SANDFORD Storytellers is a small group of local people who go into Sandford School assemblies about six times a term with a dramatised story from the bible.

After a recent assembly pupil Isla Lee-Draper shared with the school the idea of a Friendship Bench.

If a child was lonely or sad they could sit on the Friendship Bench and someone else would come over and invite them or join their game or sit and chat. It would make sure everyone was happy at playtimes.

The rest of the school was enthusiastic and came up with fundraising ideas such as making and selling friendship bracelets.

Sandford Storytellers and other members of St Swithun's Church raised the money themselves for two benches, one for each playground.