The 6ft 2in schoolgirl, 12, who towers over her best friend - the smallest in the class

For although the pair are the same age and go to the same school, a height difference of 17in means they don't quite see things from the same perspective.

But the 12-year-olds, who attend St Kentigern's Academy, in Blackburn, West Lothian, don't let this worry them.

Rosyln, who is 6ft 2in, said: "I've been friends with Faith for a year and a half - she's the smallest in the class and I'm the tallest.

"The difference in our heights has never been a problem for us. Being tall is good most of the time. I can see over everyone's head when there's a crowd and I'm good at basketball."

Buying clothes can be hard, however. She wears a size 14 and size nine shoes.

Faith, also 12, said: "Sometimes people at school do think it's a bit weird that we're friends because Roslyn is so tall and I'm small. But we don't mind.

"Roslyn does grow quite quickly. I really notice it if I've not seen her for a while in the holidays."

It is not hard to see where Roslyn, of East Whitburn, gets her stature.

Her mother, Pauline O'Connor, is the same height. Miss O'Connor, 32, who is divorced from Roslyn's father, said: "If she gets any bigger, we're going to have to get her a new bed."