A KIND teenager has donated her time to help elderly people at her local retirement development.

Kiera Archer, a pupil from Port Glasgow High, has a passion for working with older people.

She chose to complete her work experience at Bield’s Crosshill Gardens and has proved very popular with residents.

Jane Byrne, a teacher at her school, said: “Keira was passionate in her desire to work with older people and she was determined to find a placement that would build her skills in a caring role.

“We were delighted that Crosshill Gardens was able to offer her a placement.

"Although Keira was nervous, she very much enjoyed chatting to and working with older people.

“The placement has given her valuable transferable skills that she will use to fulfil her ambition of working in the care industry in the future.”

The 14-year-old spent four days assisting staff with general work duties, supporting the volunteer team and helping with social activities.

She also gained experience in the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

Michele McKinnon, retirement housing manager at Crosshill Gardens, was delighted to have Keira lending a hand.

She said: “It was so refreshing to have someone like Keira help out.

"You don’t get many 14-year olds who know that they want to have a career caring for older people.

“Her pleasant manner, enthusiastic nature and considered approach when carrying out her duties greatly enhanced the service provision to the tenants.

“She tried her hand at a variety of activities, from exercise classes to bingo.

"She even helped out with our monthly social event where 33 of our tenants enjoyed fish suppers and we had an ice cream van stop by.

“We are a social bunch and she really took the experience in her stride and blossomed.

"We would have Keira back again in a heartbeat.”