THE POLICE and crime commissioner for Gwent joined primary school pupils this week to unveil playground benches to try to 'eliminate loneliness and foster friendships'.

PCC Ian Johnston was invited to Libanus Primary School, Blackwood, to cut the ribbon and officially introduce three 'buddy benches' in the playground.

The school introduced the benches as part of their positive behaviour policy to ensure that lonely or shy children can send out messages that they want to be offered friendship.

During his visit the commissioner had an 'enjoyable discussion' with the Libanus School council which is made up from year group representatives who have been elected by their peers.

PCC Ian Johnston said: “I was pleased to accept the invitation and to have the opportunity to speak to the children about what my role involves.

“It’s safe to say that there are plenty of budding politicians at the school if the debates I heard today are anything to go by.”

Jenna Curtis, who sits on the school’s Parent Teachers Association, organised the scheme and helped to secure funding from community partners to bring the project to life.

The benches were also designed by Shannon Curtis, built by craftsman Paul Rideout and donated to the school by AJM Schoolwear, UHY Hacker Young and a former Libanus Primary School teacher, Sian Curtis.

Nicola Williams, the head teacher at Libanus Primary School, was 'delighted' to welcome the Commissioner to the launch.

She added: “We are currently teaching the children about the ethos of the buddy benches and how they will work so that they all understand and buy into the concept.

“The pupils have greeted the idea with enthusiasm after being taught that the benches are a way for them to reach out to their lonelier peers.

“From what we have seen so far, it also really builds the self-esteem of those pupils who ask others to play with them and provides them with a strong sense of responsibility.”