STUDENTS are putting the finishing touches to a documentary which has brought young and old together.

The final day of filming for the project, involving a group of performing arts students from Greenfield Community and Arts College, in Newton Aycliffe, and older volunteers, was completed last week.

Now there are plans to show the mock documentary, funded by One NorthEast, on a large screen at Greenfield College in July and subsequently at a local theatre.

It will also be on the agenda at Age Concern Durham County's Intergenerational Conference, which will be held at Shotton Hall, Durham, on November 20.

Marianne Patterson, of Age Concern, said: "This project is an example of how creative and innovative activities can really bring together the generations to learn new skills and share experiences.

"The feedback has been really positive from all of the participants, they all agreed that the project and working with different age groups has been far more enjoyable than they had expected.

"Many of the students commented that they felt on an equal footing with the older volunteers and were never criticised or unable to express themselves, which was different to their initial perceptions.

"Our volunteers also felt very happy working alongside the students, and they were impressed by their creativity and abilities."

The project is funded by the Regional Arts Lottery Programme and is being produced and directed by Sheryl Jenkins and Matt Hargrave.

For more details contact Jo-Anne Mason, at Greenfield College, on (01325) 307147, or Marianne Patterson at Age Concern on 0191-386 3856.