WHIZZKIDS in Glasgow's north have taken things to the next level by creating their local area in a popular videogame. 

Pupils at St Philomena's Primary brought their school and surrounding streets to life in Minecraft as part of a unique project to develop proposals to improve the community. 

And the youngsters hope it will soon be time to press start on their idea for a public square on nearby Langdale Street, which they believe could help to create a greener Glasgow. 

Adele Flynn, depute headteacher, said: “The project has allowed our pupils’ voices to be heard within their local community. This unique approach has allowed the children to develop their skills for learning, life and work in the real world and in a virtual setting” 

The scheme – supported by charity Sustrans Scotland – will contribute to “Flourishing Molendinar”, a large-scale community project to create healthier and greener neighbourhoods in the area, led by St Paul’s Youth Forum.

Glasgow Times: Minecraft has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide Minecraft has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide

Children applied for the team behind the creation via a job application. Successful applicants included young people from senior years, and both enhanced nurture provision and mainstream pupils, all motivated by an opportunity to use their imaginations to improve their community for everyone.

Pupil Gabriella, nine, said: “I wanted to be part of the project as I want my local community to be a safer place to grow up.”

Fletcher, also nine, added: “Being part of the project has made me realise that I would like to do this kind of thing for my job when I am older.” 

The project is funded though Sustrans Scotland’s “Places for Everyone” programme, with support from Transport Scotland.

Glasgow North East councillor Ruairi Kelly said, “I have been blown away by the engagement and insight of this young team of urban designers and the enthusiastic way in which they have been a part of planning their own neighbourhood. 

"Local ownership and involvement from an early stage really is how we help people build communities they can be proud of. 

Glasgow Times: Cllr Ruairi Kelly praised the scheme Cllr Ruairi Kelly praised the scheme

"It will be fantastic if we can see real life infrastructure projects that local children can point to and say, we designed that, that’s ours.”