CREATIVE kids proved a glass act as they showcased their talents at a special craft workshop.

Youngsters from Moorfoot Primary were asked to help design a new stained glass window for St John's Church.

Around 35 aspiring artists from P4 joined Alec Galloway on the project, making sketches on a template.

Kay Clark, the church's heritage co-ordinator, said: "This is part of St John's - Our History Through Stained Glass, a heritage lottery-funded project.

"The church received £240,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Heritage Environment Scotland as part of their 175th celebrations.

"The capital is being used to fix the tower and there is also an activity plan to work with the wider community.

"This includes local children helping to design a new stained glass window in the sanctuary of the church."

Alec said the children were a joy to work with and very interested in the project.

He said: "There were very keen and enthusiastic, they loved the idea.

"The fact there is a window in the church that is 150 years old captivated their minds, along with the fact they are designing a window that will still be here in another 150 years."

Alan Aitken MBE, St John's assistant session clerk, says it is important for the church to look to the future as well celebrate the past.

He said: "We are keen to capture the imagination of the younger people and to look forward.

"Some of the children come to youth groups in the church and we want to encourage children to come into the church.

"This window they are helping design will be the future, not the past.

"We are 176 years old but we are looking to the future - and the kids are the future."

Evan Phillips, who teaches the primary four class, said: "They loved hearing about the windows in the church and are excited about designing a new one."