PUPILS from an independent school in New Milton have set out to lift spirits and share smiles during lockdown with heart-warming letters to older people facing loneliness and isolation.

As part of their PSHE lessons, pupils were invited by teacher Mrs Catherine McCleave to take part in Age UK Southampton’s ‘From Me to You’ initiative which encourages young people to contribute a letter, poem or drawing to be sent to an elderly member of the community experiencing isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Dozens of pupils responded with uplifting letters sharing their own lockdown experiences, details of their lives and families and offering their good wishes and positive messages, along with drawings, photos, jokes, favourite books and poems.

Claire Roberts, Head of Services at Age UK Southampton, said: “The letters are amazing and certainly made me smile and shed a tear. I’m sure each and every one will make a difference and bring joy to those who receive them. A huge thank you to all of the pupils who took part.”

To avoid any contamination risks, the letters were scanned and printed by Age UK Southampton and attached to food parcels, funded by donations from Hampshire Constabulary and local companies and residents, and will go out to elderly people in Southampton and the surrounding area.

Ballard School has both covered the £100 cost of postage and packing and contributed another £100 donation to the charity on top.

Headmaster at Ballard School Andrew McCleave said: “Week after week during the Covid-19 lockdown I have been struck by the compassion and generosity of spirit shown by Ballard pupils reaching out to lift up others around them – and this is another example.

“Having read through all the letters I know how moving and thoughtful they are and, once again, I am extremely proud to be the Head of a school with such empathetic and considerate pupils.”