A GALASHIELS primary school’s parent council has been awarded funds by a national housebuilder.

Langlee Primary School Parent Council has been given a cash boost of £500 by Persimmon Homes East Scotland as part of the builder’s Community Champions scheme.

The funds will be used by the parent council to fund activities for the school’s pupils.

Persimmon’s charity scheme Community Champions gives away grants of up to £1000 to community groups and charities local to their developments. Each month they allocate 60 donations across the UK and to date have given away over £1 million.

Sharon Brown, parent and member of the parent council, told the Border Telegraph: “Both the Parent Council and the pupils were delighted to be named Community Champions by Persimmon. Many of the pupils at Langlee Primary live at the Persimmon Melrose Gait development in Galashiels so it made sense to apply for funding.

“The money will be put to good use funding swimming lessons and our P7 leavers’ jumpers.”

The parent council has worked hard to raise funds for the school through a series of events from bake sales to talent contests since the school opened in 2017 as part of Scotland’s Schools for the Future.

Jim Kirkpatrick, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to hand over this donation to such a worthy cause. The parent council offers brilliant opportunities for the children at the school.

“Knowing that the money has the potential to directly benefit families living at our Melrose Gait development means a great deal to us.

“The Community Champions scheme was launched to support groups, clubs and charities that improve the quality of life for local people in the towns and cities that we build new homes.”

Groups interested in applying for a Community Champion grant can www.persimmonhomes.com.