THANKS to a generous donation of £500 from Benarty Heritage Preservation Group, St. Kenneth's Primary School Parent Council is well on the way in its fundraising efforts for a project which started last session.

They wish to restore a significant piece of art work in the form of a frieze which was installed in the foyer of the school for its opening on June 21 1966.

BHPG chairman Tony Zimny said: "Recent essential renovations at the school required it to be removed from this area which is near the main entrance door. Upon inspection it was clear that it was in need of urgent restoration work and cleaning.

"The subject of the work is a pastoral scene depicting St. Kenneth and St. Bernard. This reflected the fact that the school served the two local parishes in the area, St. Kenneth’s Lochore; and St. Bernard’s Ballingry. St. Kenneth was an early Christian Missionary in Fife.

"The frieze also displays several examples of Scottish trees, plants and animals and the island of Inchcolm with its Abbey. The artist, Thomas Doyle, a native of Cowdenbeath, was an art teacher in Fife as well as a respected sculptor, who was commissioned by Fife Education Authority to produce several other works in the area. His work was also commissioned from abroad.

"The Parent Council and school community are very keen to preserve the frieze".

A sponsored walk by pupils at the end of last session to fundraise was held and well supported and a Community Coffee evening will be held in the near future.

The picture shows Miss Mary Clarke, St. Kenneth’s Parent Council member, receiving the cheque from Anne Hay, treasurer of BHPG.