COMMUNITY spirited students enjoyed their annual Christmas party with dozens of local senior citizens.
Darlington School of Mathematics and Science welcomed 50 elderly members of the community for an afternoon of fun and festivities hosted by heath and social care students.
The OAPs, including residents from Branksome Hall and Windsor Court Care Homes, enjoyed a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding and tea and coffee.
DSMS assistant head teacher Emma Hickson said: “DSMS is very much a part of the local community so it is lovely to be able to invite our senior citizens into school for some seasonal cheer.
“As part of their GCSE communications unit our heath and social care students have been responsible for arranging the whole event from sending the invitations to planning the food, setting up the room and serving the meals and they have done a tremendous job.
“There is so much that the students can learn from the older generation and Christmas provides an ideal opportunity for us to welcome them into our school.”
Party guests were also treated to a performance by the school choir before a game of bingo and a raffle.
Patricia Churchill, 79, of Darlington, said: “This is the fourth year running that I’ve been to the DSMS Christmas party and I think it is marvellous.
“I enjoy it so much that I always look forward to it each year at Christmas time. “The food is lovely, the entertainment is superb and the students are wonderful – we always have a good laugh.”
Student Gemma Foster, 15, of Darlington, added: “It’s really nice to be involved in this year’s Christmas party.
“Some people may feel a bit lonely at Christmas so it’s a great opportunity for them to come into our school, get to know us and enjoy a lovely party.
“I’m thinking about working with older people when I leave school so this is good experience for me to be able to interact with them - and everybody has a good time.”
