PUPILS at an Aberdeen special-needs school have been enjoying lessons in newly refurbished surroundings this term.
Hazlewood School, in Fernielea Road, has been brightened up by a group of 30 volunteers from oil and gas companies Marathon and Petrofac.
Staff from both firms raised £4,000 for the project and volunteers painted the classrooms, staff room, gym hall and entrance hall of the school.
The sensory room was also given a makeover. Painted black, with fairy lights and a large colour-changing bubble lamp, the room is used for children at a delayed stage of development.
Outside, teams cleaned and painted the seating, decking and pergola in the Millennium sensory garden, where pupils care for vegetables and plants.
Doug Smith, instruments manager for Petrofac, devised the plans to revitalise the school. He said: “I suggested Hazlewood as a possible beneficiary of our work as I have first-hand experience of the fantastic work the staff does on a daily basis, as my son Josh attends the school.
“Through our team’s hard work, we have helped to brighten the school inside and out, for the benefit of the pupils but also for the dedicated and caring staff.”
The school currently has a roll of 68 youngsters aged from five to 18, who have a range of learning disabilities.
Head teacher Jill Barry said: “The renovation of the garden and sensory room will be of great benefit to our pupils who respond to these specialised teaching areas.
“The teams worked so hard during their free time over the summer. We are very grateful.”