PRIMARY school children have been bringing extra cheer to a care home by visiting residents and taking part in craft sessions.

Pupils from Croft Church of England Primary School, near Darlington, became involved with Nightingale Hall Care Home in Richmond through Sensory Connections, which links schools and residential homes together for craft sessions.

Croft head teacher Simon Robson said: "I had recently watched Channel 4's 'Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds' and I was completely inspired. It looked like such a rewarding experience and a fantastic way to learn within the community.

"One of our parents Denise Wilson-Bainbridge, who works for Sensory Connexions, set up our first visit last year to Nightingale Hall Care Home to work with residents and we have been sending groups of children every term since.

Our children thoroughly enjoy their visits. They love talking to the residents and taking part in craft activities and learning together. They gain do so much from this intergenerational experience. There is a wonderfully natural mutual respect between the residents and children.

Croft school feel privileged to be part of the project. We hope to provide as many pupils as possible with an opportunity to take part in this project as our relationship with Nightingale Hall Care home and Sensory Connexions develops.