School pupils have been awarded badges as momentos of living through the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) at Warden House Primary funded the gift for youngsters attending the school in Birdwood Avenue, Deal.

Chairman Scott McNamara said: "We recognise that the past year has been hard for all of us, however the way that the children of Warden House Primary School have dealt with the Covid crisis has been an inspiration. This is why we have taken the time to design and make a very special 'Lockdown Hero' badge."

The idea behind it is that it can be a badge of honour for the pupils' achievements, and it is hoped they will either wear it on clothes, coats or bags, or keep it safe for when they are older.

The free badges were given out on Friday, April 23 to the school community of 440 pupils and 70 staff. It was on Rainbow day, when everyone dressed in bright colours.

Mr McNamara added: "We present this to all of our pupils to let them know that we are proud of them and that their efforts in coping with this bizarre event has not gone unnoticed.

"We are proud of all their achievements during such a challenging period in our history."

The project cost £1,000 for which the PTFA has already recouped £600 in donations.

These cash pledges were made because the association's funding reserve has been hard hit by the pandemic and community fundraising events have not been able to go ahead like the annual fireworks spectacular in the school field each November.

Mr McNamara thanked all those involved in the badges project and added: "We would like to give thanks to local graphic designer Lauren Armstrong, for designing the badge for us."

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