A homebuilder has donated a friendship bench to a school.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes has gifted the "buddy bench" to Cringleford Prep in Norwich.

The bench is intended to help children form friendships and show respect.

The bench has an inscription that reads: "We sit, we chat and ask each other questions.

"We leave as friends, with all good intentions."

The donated bench carries an inscription designed to reinforce the campaign’s message The donated bench carries an inscription designed to reinforce the campaign’s message (Image: Submitted)

The bench was donated during Anti-Bullying Week, an annual campaign by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) that raises awareness of bullying and promotes empathy, kindness, and inclusivity in schools.

The inscription reflects the campaign's theme this year, "Choose Respect," which encourages students to consider the impact of their actions on others and the importance of treating everyone with kindness and understanding.

Cringleford Prep, a new primary school that opened in September 2024, is located within the homebuilder's Cringleford Heights development.

The school has embraced the bench as a valuable tool to create a more inclusive environment where students are encouraged to make new friends, resolve conflicts peacefully, and take a stand against bullying.

Anti-Bullying Week is an annual campaign organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance Anti-Bullying Week is an annual campaign organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (Image: Submitted)

Carmel Greene, principal at Cringleford Prep, said: “We were delighted and very grateful to receive a buddy bench from David Wilson Homes.

“The generous gift coincided with Anti-Bullying Week and provided a great opportunity for us to talk about compassion and kindness.

"It now sits proudly outside our entrance.”

Simon Wood, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia, said: “We’re proud to partner with Cringleford Prep on this initiative and hope that the buddy bench will serve as a symbol of kindness, empathy, and respect for years to come.

“By promoting these values during Anti-Bullying Week, we aim to help students understand the positive impact they can have on others by choosing respect in their daily interactions.”

To learn more about Cringleford Heights, visit the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes websites.