Middlesbrough's Kings Academy hosts festive tea for care residents

Musicians, singers, dancers and actors took to the floor at The King’s Academy, in Coulby Newham, in an annual treat for residents of local care homes.

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Accompanied by home staff and family members, regular attendees came from Kirkley Lodge, Dalby Court and Tollesby Hall, along with guests from Lavender Court on their first visit.

Cath Wolfenden, a resident of Kirkley Lodge, said: “It’s very nice coming here. It’s always very well organised and it’s lovely to see the children dancing and singing.”

Beryl Colligan added: “This is the third time I’ve been, it’s one we all look forward to.”

The guests were treated to an afternoon tea served by Sixth Formers and a programme of entertainment that included tap dancing by Rachel Geddes and Eloise Plantaz, a singing solo by Ellie Blake, harp playing by Laura Edmonds and three numbers by the cast of the academy’s production of Mary Poppins.

Vision-impaired pianists Cody Brown and Ethan Cramer impressed the audience with a duet and Kendle Hill sang Christmas classics before the guests joined in a festive singalong.

Nathan Bulley, Acting Principal at The King’s Academy, said: “Our residents’ afternoon tea is an event we all look forward to and it’s a great pleasure to welcome our guests from local care homes each Christmas.

“Students love to perform for them and our Sixth Formers do a great job serving the fabulous tea provided by our catering team. It’s an afternoon that puts us all in the Christmas spirit. Particular thanks go to the members of staff who made such an effort to lay this on.”