December 16, 2016 8.37 am This story is over 95 months old

Lincoln schoolchildren join pensioners for annual Christmas party event

Schoolchildren and pensioners celebrated Christmas together in a special event at a Lincoln school. Students at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy joined pensioners from nearby North Hykeham Day Centre on Tuesday, December 13, for an afternoon of food, dancing and singing. The 25 regulars and seven staff from the centre united with dozens of pupils from years seven…

Schoolchildren and pensioners celebrated Christmas together in a special event at a Lincoln school.

Students at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy joined pensioners from nearby North Hykeham Day Centre on Tuesday, December 13, for an afternoon of food, dancing and singing.

The 25 regulars and seven staff from the centre united with dozens of pupils from years seven to 13 to enjoy the entertainment in the North Hykeham school’s main hall.

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The group tucked into a turkey lunch, mince pies before playing bingo and dancing.

Each visitor from the centre was presented with a hamper put together by the students as a special Christmas gift.

The school has hosted a Christmas party for clients from the day centre for a number of years and the event is the culmination of 12 months of support the school provides – from fundraising events to volunteering.

Visitor, Rose Wattam, said: “The event is really lovely. All the staff and the children make such a tremendous effort and they always make us feel so welcome.

“It’s also so nice to be able to spend time with so many young people and they are a delight.”

Pupil Courtney Varlow, 16, said: “You meet so many amazing people and make new friends.

“Many of us develop those friendships by volunteering at the centre and maintaining that contact throughout the year.”

Centre manager Julie Stacey said: “It’s the highlight of the year for our pensioners. They talk about how lovely the event and the students are for most of the year.

“The staff and pupils at the school provide such tremendous support for all of us at the centre and we are extremely grateful.”