YOUNGSTERS from a nursery school have been helping to brighten up the lives of older folk.

Children from Mains Farm House Nursery, on West Lane, Chester-le-Street, have been visiting residents at nearby Durham House Care Home on Mondays.

They share story times, games, sing songs, dancing and other fun activities.

Nursery co-owner Maureen Sheekey said: “It is a mutual thing in that they share activities together and just talk to each other.

“Some children do not have elderly relatives they see on a regular basis and some of the residents don’t have immediate access to younger members of the family.

“You are bringing together two completely different generations.”

Before Christmas the nursery was given an ‘outstanding’ report in all areas following a visit from Ofsted. A previous visit in 2012 also deemed the nursery to be ‘outstanding’.

Inspector Amy Keith said: “Children show extremely high levels of engagement in activities.”