Hundreds of parents, carers, and children have been attending the family fun days and enjoying the free activities on offer.

The events, based within Hilltop Primary School, have been commended for bringing the community together during the long summer break - a time that puts additional financial pressure on many families.

"The summer holidays are an expensive time for parents, and we decided to deliver fun events for families to enjoy," explained Mairi McGhee, Chair of Hilltop Parent Council.

"We receive so much support from the community throughout the year and these events are our way of saying thank you to everyone who helps us.

"The school has a full time Barnardo's worker who has supported three of the five summer events and we are grateful to him for helping by providing additional resources to support the fun days."

Three events have already taken place, with two more planned for Wednesday, 31 July, and Monday, 5 August.

Activities on offer at the Airdrie school include sports, games, crafts, baking, bouncy castles, face painting, and sunflower planting.

Each event has a food bank, with produce supplied by Albert Bartlett, Morrisons, and Tesco, Airdrie food bank, Sneddon Transport and JWPA Contracts. The events have also had support from Diamonds in the Community and Airdrie FC.

And the fun day in August is giving pupils the chance to start the new term in style with free back-to-school haircuts.

In addition, the council's Active Schools service has organised sports and games for children to enjoy.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education and a local councillor for the area, thanked those involved for all for their efforts, saying, "The dedication and hard work of the Parent Council at Hilltop Primary School has genuinely shone through this summer.

"Their events have not only brought joy to our community but have also strengthened the bonds among us.

"It was great to see the children having so much fun, and it has been inspiring to see such a committed group of individuals positively impacting the community."

The Parent Council, which recently successfully applied for a Community Empowerment NL (Challenge Fund) award,  organised similar community events during the Easter break earlier this year.

They plan to build on their successes with events and activities over the October holidays