A YOUNG Garelochhead girl has helped add some happiness to the village during the coronavirus lockdown - by putting up a rainbow sign reminding passers-by to smile.

An online trend which started in the wake of school closures due to the Covid-19 crisis has seen colourful designs pop up in windows across the country.

The idea is for the paintings to spread hope, as well as providing a fun activity for children to enjoy in the absence of school classes.

Several creations have already appeared in the Helensburgh and Lomond area and Rachel Moulding's sign, next to the oil fuel depot main gates on the A814 road into Garelochhead, is helping to lift the spirits of drivers.

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The 11-year-old, who attends Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, a boarding school for children of military personnel, said: "We saw on the news that people were drawing rainbows and putting them in their windows, so I did this and also drew some for my neighbours and family, which we posted.

"But not many people pass in front of my house, so I thought a large rainbow at the end of our road would make people smile as they drove past. My daddy helped me.

"I'm surprised at all the lovely comments on social media so far, because I didn't think many people would see it.

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"I'm really happy I have spread some happiness so this has made me smile too."

Mum Naomi added: "Rachel is absolutely delighted, as are we, her parents, that her sign seems to have reached so many people in a short space of time.

"She has such a big heart and is always thinking of others, and when she said she wanted to put up a sign for others to see, we helped her as much as we could. A smile can go a long way."

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