DS Smith creates fleet of cars for children’s drive-in movie

Staff at DS Smith’s Lockerbie site have been busy producing a fleet of cardboard cars so local children could recreate that cinematic, drive-in experience.

The packaging supply cycle specialist is used to creating varied designs for retail packaging for many years, and so is well versed in delivering secondary packaging intended to catch the consumer eye.

The brief from Hutton and Applegarth Primary Schools near Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, however, certainly got the creative juices flowing.

The parent council group approached DS Smith to ask for a donation of cardboard but technical manager Kenny Edwards went one step further and set about making the cars for the children to then decorate themselves.

Brian Wark, HR director for the company, said: “I was really thrilled we were able to help the local schoolchildren and give something back to the community. Their favourite film was to be screened, Paddington Bear, so it soon became a very important project and we didn’t want to disappoint.

“Sometimes it’s important to take a step back and realise what may seem like a small task can make such a difference. The children’s designs were wonderful and it was pleasing to see them have such a fantastic time.”

Tickets were sold prior to the event for a small fee and included refreshments and a raffle. All proceeds went to the parent council committee to help organise other fun activities for local children.

Parent council member and mum-of-two, Lynn Black said: “The event was held on behalf of the schools’ parent councils, where all money raised will go towards.

“The cars were available on a first come, first served basis and have been supplied by DS Smith and the children decorated them themselves.

“Tesco also donated the food for the evening so a massive thank you to them and DS Smith.”