A CARE home had some unusually young 'residents' yesterday as college students gave up a day of their holidays to lend a hand.

A total of 14 youngsters, all aged 16, spent the day gardening and entertaining residents at West Lodge Care Home, in, Billy Row, Crook as part of the University of the First Age programme.

The scheme is ran by the National Citizenship Service and gives young people the chance to learn through leadership.

Ellen Firby, team leader for the organisation's Durham branch, said the students had spent the day helping in the home's garden after being donated plants and materials from B&Q, in Bishop Auckland, as well as chatting and playing games with residents.

"They are having a great time," she said.

Most of the students taking part came from surrounding areas including Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.

The home's activity coordination, Diane Maughan, said it was the third year pupils had visited the home as part of the programme and praised them for their work with residents.

She said: "The residents had a whale of a time; they have been doing the parachute and KerPlunk games. It's a good link for the community."