A SCHOOL buddy system has gone from strength to strength with another 13 children applying to take part.

Youngsters from Hinderwell Community Primary School, in Scarborough, are going through the interview process before hooking up with their new friends at Springhead Special School next- door.

The scheme was set up three years ago after children from Springhead moved to the Hinderwell site because of building work at the school.

Hinderwell's headteacher Phil Snowdon said: "The children from both schools ended up mixing in the playground and it proved to be a really positive experience for all. Since then, it has been really fantastic, a great opportunity with lots of benefits for everyone involved."

To become a buddy, the children have to apply in writing and include a CV. They then have an informal interview during which the pupils are matched up depending on their interests.

Springhead's deputy headteacher Jan Johnson said: "It is then a case of the children getting to know each other and at the end of term the Hinderwell pupils have to produce a resource, such as a multi-sensory book, a video or a story voice- over."