Children's handwritten letters bring smiles and tears of joy to patients at Burnley pharmacy

Carole Livesey, who is a pharmacy technician at Bailey and Garrett chemist in Rosegrove Lane, came up with the idea for youngsters to write letters that could be sent out with prescriptions to elderly patients to brighten their day.

Staff and students at St Augustine's RC Primary were delighted to get involved in the scheme and the pupils set to work on writing letters, drawing pictures and even little jokes.

Carole, who has worked at the pharmacy for 44 years, said: "Some of the messages are really lovely and touching, reassuring the elderly they will soon be able to see their family and friends.

"Although hopefully we are now coming out of lockdown a lot of elderly people are still cautious about the future so the letters have made them smile to know that someone is thinking about them."

Carole came up with the idea after seeing a similar project in London. The letters have been sent out in prescription bags and also handed over to patients when they go into the pharmacy to pick up their medication.

Carole added: "The feedback has been so positive with many people thrilled to receive the letters and they are putting them on display in their homes."

And Carole and the children received the civic seal of approval this week when the Mayor of Burnley Coun Wajid Khan went along to meet them.

The Mayor said: "This is such a lovely thing to do and I'm very impressed by the hard work and the wonderful work the children have done.

"They should be very proud of themselves for this touching project which I'm sure will bring a smile to the faces of many local people when they open their prescription bag and discover what's inside."