UP CLOSE chats with Kirsty Button,chair of Friends of Shotley School that fundraise for everything from IT equipment and swimming trips, to a trim trail and Funky Trunky.

As evidenced by the spectacular spooky path leading up to Shotley Primary School and Kidzone, the mums that make up FOSS are a pretty inventive bunch.

The group is made up of volunteers, all of which have children at the school and fundraise to enable the pupils can enjoy a range of events, items and facilities they may otherwise miss out on.

Like all good volunteer groups a strong leader is vital and Kirsty, complete with another baby on the way, has taken on the role of chair with enthusiasm and flair but is quick to point out it is a team effort, with a good committee backing her.

"There are about 15 of us mums who volunteer and we club together to come up with ideas of how to raise money for the school," said Kirsty, "We have loads of ideas and have done things like pamper nights, cream teas at sports day, serving drinks at plays. It is a real team effort.

"We have parties when we are allowed, there may be a £2.50 entry fee and they will get a hot dog and any profits go to the school, and usually any excuse for a disco."

The Halloween trail is an example of thinking outside the box after it was clear the popular spooky disco would not be allowed to go ahead due to Covid-19.

Innovative thinking, enthusiasm by the volunteers to shake bucket or sell a snow cone, is the reason why the school was able to recently take delivery of 16 Chrome Books.

Kirsty said: "They are not cheap and if the school did not have FOSS then they would not be able to afford have these Chrome books."

FOSS has also funded an Eco Shed, a trim trail for the youngsters, pay for the transport costs when the children are allowed to go swimming, materials for the sand pit and vegetable garden. The donations also help to subsidise

Leavers hoodies and for various events for pupils to enjoy including theatre shows and puppet shows visiting school, when allowed.

Kirsty said: "The school appreciate what we do and we keep coming up with ideas, which is not always easy when they have to be social distancing events

"It is mainly the parents who donate, like when we stand there and sell ice lollies for 10p - every little bit helps.

"Whatever the school asks for, we look to raise the money to help the children and to make the school look pretty for the children."

And it is not just the big projects FOSS contributes to. Each teacher is given £20 a month to buy those little extra resources for their specific classroom, not much maybe but vital nonetheless.

FOSS' contribution, both financially and supportive, is welcomed by the school with head teacher Richard Dedicoat appreciating how lucky Shotley is.

"FOSS are an integral part of the school community," said Mr Dedicoat. "Over the last few years they have raised significant funds to support the school in many ways.

"For example, new staging, library bookcases and furniture, support with transport costs to allow the children to swim all year. More recently a new Eco Shed and supporting investment in new IT equipment.

"In these unprecedented times FOSS are thinking more innovatively in ways to continue to raise money for the school and ensure the children don't miss out on many of the annual events. The Halloween experience is just one example of how they are thinking about creating memorable moments for our children.

"Every school needs a FOSS, we are extremely fortunate to have parents who give up their time for the benefits of the school."

The next big project for the volunteers is to buy mud suits for the reception year children so they can play outdoors without ruining their uniforms and FOSS plan to hold a sponsored walk, and a Christmas raffle after half term as part of their fundraising.

Last year FOSS worked with eh school to fundraise for an elephant, which the children named Funky Trunky, to take part in Elmer's Parade and was among the exhibition in Ipswich.

• Volunteers can join FOSS but will need to be DBS checked, and the group works closely with the school to ensure all procedures and accounting is subject to strict checks and balances. Contact the school office for more details.