Teachers say they were reduced to tears after they were greeted with gifts and artwork from children of key workers.

More than 50 thank you messages, drawings, and gifts were created and given by pupils at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School in Garston.

Kerry Joyce, a parent at the school, said: "We wanted to show our appreciation to the staff for creating such a caring, welcoming environment for our children.

"They have made our children feel so safe and given them normality during these times."

When the teachers returned to school after half-term, messages, artwork, cupcakes, flowers and t-shirts which said When the world needed everyone to stay apart, you made school a special place to be were arranged along the driveway into the school.

A selection of gifts for teachers

A selection of gifts for teachers

Mrs Joyce explained: "I started a collection and invited the other parents whose children are attending school to join in. In two days, we had nearly £500. We created a thank you fund and dropped off gifts and treats for the staff to put a smile on their faces.

"We are all so grateful to the wonderful staff at St Catherine's."

Drawings created by pupils at St Catherines

Drawings created by pupils at St Catherine's

Head teacher Nikki Kane said: "I was incredibly touched by everything the parents organised. As well as delivering amazing treats and gifts, the children also made beautiful posters with messages of thanks, which were hung outside our farm as a surprise on the first day back.

"The staff were completely overwhelmed at the parents' generosity. We always talk about being the family of St Catherine's and the actions of these parents absolutely sums up this spirit - we are blessed to have such a special school community.

"All the St Cath's staff who have been teaching our key worker and vulnerable children have gone above and beyond to make sure that the pupils feel safe and happy in these turbulent times. It is wonderful that Mrs Joyce and our families have shown their appreciation in this way."

The drawings were hung up ahead of the teachers arrival back into school

The drawings were hung up ahead of the teachers' arrival back into school

Teacher Leanne Bowler added: "It was the perfect way to lift our spirits for the new half-term. We are so grateful for the support and appreciation of our amazing parents and children. It really does make the job worthwhile."