KeyStore outlets in Scotland have been working with communities across the country by helping children prepare returning to school this week.

Thousands of pupils have returned to their classrooms for the first in almost five months following the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Several retailers have distributed schoolbags containing stationary essentials and a KeyStore-branded water bottle to help students get ready for the new term.

Store owners who have been part of the back to school campaign include Lee Narwan of KeyStore East Kilbride Village, Billy Bassi of KeyStore Cardonald (Mosspark Drive), Dev Narwan of KeyStore Barrhead (Main Street), Josh Singh of KeyStore More Kirkcaldy, Chris Watson of KeyStore Express Corseford, and Colette Gilliland, manager of Keystore More Hardgate (Kilbowie Road, a Clydebank Co-operative store.

Nick Hannah, director at Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill, said: “Our stores are located in the heart of local communities where not every child is in a position to get a new schoolbag or stationery before returning to school.

“We sourced fantastic Converse rucksacks, filled them with these important items to help get kids ready to restart lessons after lockdown, and gave them to retailers to hand out to the parents of those they know would appreciate a helping hand at this time.”

He added: “In recent months our retailers have really stepped up to serve their local communities by making their stores, staff and customers safe, following the official Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene confidence measures.

“As we continue to ease out of lockdown and Scotland’s children return to school after an enforced break, we’re delighted to help. We are continuing to support more communities with this initiative and will continue to do so in the future.”