Earlier this week a group of Trinity sixth form students from St John Fisher Catholic College joined the Young at Heart Chesterton group in North Staffordshire for their Christmas party.

The students brought along presents, chocolates and biscuits to hand out. They helped serve refreshments and enjoyed sharing them with the older people as they chatted and got to know each other.

Afterwards, they joined in dancing with some of the group while musicians Ray and Lynne entertained them, playing guitars and singing.

Mark Porter, Young at Heart project manager, said, “It was absolutely lovely to see the interaction between the generations.”

The students, accompanied by Head of Sixth Form Sarah Hebden, enjoyed their time at Young at Heart.

Mrs Hebden said: “We are keen to support the Young at Heart project and the students are eager to help.

"They really enjoyed helping at the Young at Heart group Christmas party.

“Tasha, Ellie, Chloe, Ricky, Ali, Melwin, Daisy, Nnamdi and Japhet chatted with guests and helped serve – and eat – the great selection of food on offer.

"The musician was excellent and the Young at Heart group taught the sixth form some great dance moves! A wonderful afternoon.

"Thanks to Mark, Pam Smith and Bonnie Miles also.”

The Chesterton party was the first of the Young at Heart Christmas parties, which have continued throughout this week.

They are a great opportunity for the people who attend the groups across North Staffordshire to celebrate the festive season among friends.

Through social groups, lunch clubs, befriending and day trips, Young at Heart reaches a hand of friendship to older people who are experiencing loneliness across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

To find out more click here

St John Fisher Catholic College is a secondary school and sixth form in Newcastle-under-Lyme. To find out more click here