Prestwick care home residents and schoolchildren bond over Wally the scarecrow

Residents of a Prestwick care home have a new addition in their recently renovated gardens thanks to a group of primary schoolchildren.

Pupils at St Ninian’s Primary School helped residents at Berelands House Care Home, part of Amore Care, to create a scarecrow for the home’s courtyard.

As part of the project, the children decided to name the scarecrow Wally in honour of Squadron Leader Wally Lashbrook, a Berelands resident who recently celebrated his 100th birthday with teachers and pupils from the school.

The new Wally has been given pride of place in the home’s renovated gardens, which new features include a vegetable bed, sensory garden, bench and water feature.

Anne Smith, care home manager, said: “It is wonderful we have a connection with St Ninian’s Primary School. Younger and older people can learn a lot from each other and it is heart-warming to see friendships between the two generations, despite the gap in age.

“Wally is extremely well liked and respected by the pupils and was absolutely delighted the children decided to name the scarecrow after him.

“Working with St Ninian’s has really helped to bring a new dynamic and energy to the home, which is really lovely to see.”

St Ninian’s headteacher Alexis McGhee said: “The pupils love speaking to Wally and the residents about their memories of the past. As well as being enjoyable it is helping them to learn about the social history of South Ayrshire. It is important that these memories are shared with the younger generations so that this wonderful living history is not lost.”