Teens help elderly create creepy pumpkin carvings

PUMPKIN carving teen volunteers helped Stockton’s elderly care home residents get into the Halloween spirit.

The Middlesbrough FC Foundation National Citizenship Service (NCS) spent time with residents at Mandale House Care Home to create the Jack-o’-lanterns.

The group also decorated the home for the Halloween party enjoyed by residents, staff and family members.

Resident Irene Flemming said: “When I was little, we used to carve turnips for Halloween, but they were really hard and it took ages to do.

“It was a lot easier carving this big pumpkin as it’s quite soft and it was good to have help from the teenagers too. They were very nice.”

The Middlesbrough FC Foundation NCS regularly volunteers at the home, playing games with the residents, providing entertainment and carrying out gardening work.

Michael Allen, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, Thornaby, said: “Once again, we’d like to thank the Middlesbrough FC Foundation NCS for visiting the residents.

“They really enjoy the company of the young volunteers and had a great time carving pumpkins for this year’s Halloween celebrations.”