Youngsters greet elderly dressed as favourite book characters

CAT in the Hat, Cinderella and Peter Rabbit were just some of the favourite book characters who greeted Teesside care home residents on World Book Day.

Elderly residents from Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, were paying a visit to Busy Bees Nursery, on Myton Road, Thornaby, to see the children dressed as their favourite book characters.

The youngsters also sang for their visitors and showed them their new play castle.

The children had visited Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick, a week earlier to take part in a sensory session with the residents.

The two groups have been forming intergenerational friendships through regular activities together.

Moira Hall, 76, was encouraged to play in the new castle by the children. She said: “It was brilliant and seeing them all dressed up is so lovely they all look gorgeous. I could only fit my feet in the castle.”

Jane Simpson, from Busy Bees Nursery, said: “I love how the residents and children have built a relationship.

“They look forward to seeing each other every time. Jonas and Joyce Heward always look for each other when we go round to the care home or they come here.”

Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “I love how we have such a good friendship growing.

“Both the children and residents look forward to the next meeting. It’s brilliant seeing them all interact despite the age gap.”