STUDENTS at Lornshill Academy will be able to develop their skills while engaging with the wider community after an initiative launched at the school last week.

Senior pupils will be running their Citizenship Café coffee shop, giving them the opportunity to engage in enterprising activities and pick up knowledge and experience that can help in the world of work in a few years.

Last Friday, December 15, saw the official launch of the scheme with youngsters showcasing the venue and inviting guests on for fresh hot drinks and live music.

In attendance were a number of local representatives along with officials from Enterprising Schools and members of the community who attend the Whins Resource Centre and older students from Alloa and Alva academies.

At the opening, each supervisor from the student staff gave a short speech about their role and explained what the coffee shop means to them.

It allows the youngsters to build their skills outwith the classroom, boost their confidence and ability to communicate.

Miss Julie Connelly, one of the teachers behind the initiative, said: "Our pupils have worked incredibly hard setting up and running this initiative, they are a credit to Lornshill Academy.

"We are delighted with the progress of the Citizenship Café so far and are excited to see how our pupils will continue to develop their enterprising skills and engagement with the wider community in the future."

The new venture is not-for-profit and the pupils decided to donate their profits to Strathcarron Hospice.

Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, also attended the event as did Ochil and South Perthshire MP Luke Graham and Councillor Ellen Forson.

Mr Graham said: "I was so impressed with the S5s and S6s running the café.

"You often hear people putting young people down, but these students have taken a brilliant idea and run with it.

"The café is a with a fantastic opportunity to take part in a real business, learn new skills and get involved with their local community."

Mr Brown added: "Lornhill's Citizenship Café is a fantastic initiative and I was delighted to be able to attend the official launch.

"This project is a great way for pupils to develop skills for work which will be of benefit to them in the future, while at the same time raising funds for Strathcarron Hospice.

"On top of this both the coffee and customer service was top notch – well done to everyone involved."