One of the last things the children of Symondsbury Primary School did before heading home following the school’s closure was to put the finishing touches to a new community library in the school grounds.

Inspired by the school’s ‘100 ways to change the world’ project, the children have put together a library of books for adults and children to borrow, housed in a shed supplied by Groves Nurseries.

Pupil Amelie said: “I am excited by the library because I can go there at any time, even at the weekends or in the evening, and anyone can get the benefit of the books because it is open to everyone. It will be fun to go and choose a new book and see what other people have left.”

Generously stocked by the pupils and their families donating an initial selection of books, anyone can now borrow or take a book and leave behind previously enjoyed books they no longer want.

Headteacher Emma Roberts said: “At Symondsbury, our vision is ‘You, me, us, everyone - we are a school that believe we have the power to change the world’ and the children are encouraged to develop their own ways of making a positive difference to our community.

“Our pupils love reading and understand the positive power of books and are passionate about sharing this enjoyment with others.

“We thought their idea to create a community book swap library was fantastic and with the help of some parents and a donation of a little shed from Groves, they’ve made it a reality.”

During the current time of social distancing and an increased need for hygiene, the school is asking users of the library to wash their hands before and after using the library and to take sensible precautions and not use the facility if experiencing any potential symptoms of coronavirus.

Mrs Roberts added: “This is a difficult time for our community, and we hope that the library can provide a useful resource to people, provided it is used responsibly. And we hope it will help to keep our own children reading and enjoying books while they can’t attend school.”

Pupil Belle said: “The library is good for all ages, old and young, and it’s good to get a little fresh air to fill your imagination.”