EVESHAM College students have delivered festive cheer to the elderly after Covid scuppered a planned Christmas party.

Supported learning students decided to deliver afternoon teas after concerns over the pandemic led to the cancellation of the college's annual festive lunch and afternoon of entertainment for pensioners as part of the Bridging Generations project.

The initiative saw around 30 deliveries of boxes, which were put together by the students, taken out to different homes by Rotary Club of Evesham.

The boxes included scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sandwiches, mini Christmas cake, mince pie, shortbread, fruit cake and a chocolate brownie and went some way to softening the blow of monthly lunches being cancelled this year.

Evesham College tutor Sarah Mackins said: “The students worked very hard to organise and deliver the afternoon project and they can be very proud of their efforts.

“Every year the students embrace the Bridging Generations project and this year is no different. They were committed to still being able to support the elderly in Evesham and spread some festive cheer in difficult circumstances.

“We are hoping to do something similar around Valentine’s Day and get out delivering to more of the older generation in our community.”

Hein van der Steen, secretary of the Rotary Club, said: “We have had several ladies call us already to say thank you for the afternoon tea boxes and it’s safe to say they went down very well.

“This was all the idea of the students and they showed great initiative to set it up.

“Those involved in the Bridging Generations project always look forward to the festive lunch at the college. While this wasn’t possible this year, to be able to deliver the teas brought a smile to their faces.

“We look forward to being able to restart the monthly sessions next year and would like to thank all of the students at Evesham College for their support.”