UNSUSPECTING members of the Petersfield public have been treated to random acts of kindness by pupils at an East Hampshire school.

Around a dozen pupils from Sheet Primary School hit the streets on a mission to "sprinkle some kindness" around town.

The group handed out motivational cards to random shoppers and slipped bookmarks into dozens of novels at the library.

"We’re doing random acts of kindess as part of our mental health week and we’ve been walking around town giving things like cards and bookmarks to people," said Year 5 pupil Thomas Law.

The heart-warming activity was part of a ’Wellness Week’ at the school to highlight wellbeing, good mental health and the truth in the saying: it’s good to talk.

"We recognise that we play a vital role in the lives of our children and supporting them with mental health is a crucial part of our provision here at Sheet," said headteacher Julie Robinson.

"The message we want to give our children is that it’s okay not to be okay and to talk about their mental health.

"Giving your time, your words and presence can give you a sense of purpose and boost you own happiness."

The first stop on their travels was Beatons Tea Rooms with the group leaving cards adorned with messages like ’you are loved’ and ’stop stressing, you can do it’ on every table.

"It’s a lovely thing to do," said owner Fifi Zahedfar. "It’s great the children at school are doing this.

"It’s character-building and learning how to be kind and selfless is an important thing for children to learn."

They handed out further cards to a handful of shoppers on the High Street and Rams Walk before heading to the library.

Having made, signed and laminated their own bookmarks, the children took great pleasure in planting them in books.

"It’s a positive thing and it will be a nice surprise for someone to borrow a book, find a bookmark and see all the thought that’s gone into it," said library assistant Nick Morley.

"It’s a random act of kindness which will definitely make people smile."

Stop-offs at Cloisters and the Dogs Trust came before the trip back to Sheet, with Year 3 pupil Josh Dodson enjoying the experience.

He said: "I’ve enjoyed it because we can be kind to other people and they can be happy – I think more people should do it."