A primary school and care home have teamed up to bring "joy across generations".

Residents from The Belmont Care Home in Worcester have joined forces with the North Worcester Primary Academy in a unique partnership.

The collaboration sees the care home residents, affectionately referred to as "our older friends" by the children, visiting the school multiple times a week.

Activities during the visits include the pupils reading to the residents, a Stay & Play where residents join in early years classes, and art sessions where both generations sketch each other.

Pre-school children also visit the care home for playgroup sessions.

For residents with dementia, the visits include special trips to the school's immersive room, where they participate in sensory stimulation exercises.

Tanya Davies from care home said: "The sensory activities are going to work wonders for the dementia patients."

The partnership has been praised for creating meaningful connections between the young children and the older adults.

Year one pupil, Brooke Ratcliffe, said: "I like reading to them; they are really kind and nice."

Ruth Banks, a resident at the home, said: "The children are so friendly.

"I’ve mostly listened to them reading – it’s been amazing.

"It’s so lovely to be able to speak to the children, they seem so much more advanced than I was at that age."

Anne Goodman, another resident, said: "I just love it.

"I love their little faces and seeing them playing.

"It makes me feel good."

The collaboration has also been praised by Mark Owen, lifestyle coordinator at the care home.

He said: "The school’s immersive room has been a huge benefit for our more advanced residents to get out and enjoy a sensory session.

"The activities we share together are truly wonderful.

"It’s been a huge positive for all involved."

Stuart Grimes, headteacher at the school, said: "Building a strong relationship with The Belmont has brought immense benefits to our pupils, school, and community.

"Our children gain invaluable experiences and insights by connecting with their residents, developing empathy, respect, and a sense of responsibility that will stay with them for life."