TWINS have saved up their pocket money to buy a friendship bench for their school in memory of their grandfather.

Esha and Sarjun Gill, aged 9, unveiled the bench, worth £600, at Northfleet’s St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Springhead Road on March 1.

Their grandfather, Ajmer, died last year aged 73.

The bench is adorned with religious symbols, including the Christian cross, Chinese yin and yang, Judaism’s Star of David and the Sikh sword and shield.

Esha said: “I was sad that my grandfather died and I thought of doing something for my school in memory of him.

“It’s a bench for all religions, not just Indians or Christians.”

Sarjun said: “I wanted to raise money for the bench because I wanted everyone to know that we loved our grandfather very much.”

Their father, Jatinder Gill, 48, said: “They go to a catholic school but we are Sikh, and we wanted to do something that would allow all the children to share in.

“The bench is for everyone to sit and chat no matter what religion they are.”

“My dad used to say money has no value unless it’s put to a good use, so it’s a way for them to remember him and take ownership.”

Head teacher Tina Shirley says the bench is a valuable contribution.

She said: "After Sarjun and Esha had spoken to the children of St. Joseph’s about the bench and what it meant to them, the children of the school chose where it could be placed.

"The bench has been placed in the quiet area of the playground and is used by all children within the school.

"All the children have said what a wonderful addition the bench has been to the school.

"Many future generations of St. Joseph’s children will benefit from the children’s very generous gift.

"A plaque was placed on the friendship bench so all pupils of St. Joseph’s, who use the bench in future years, will know why the bench was placed in the school."