OLDER people in Droitwich donned their party hats yesterday, and enjoyed a real festive knees-up, thanks to the generosity of local school children.

The town's High School put on its third annual Christmas party for the more mature generation.

Around 50 elderly people from the town enjoyed the hospitality of Year 9 students who are involved in a Citizenship programme in conjunction with Age Concern.

Pupils and pensioners both enjoyed singing, Irish dancing and extracts from a student production, A Christmas Carol.

In addition, they had afternoon tea and the guests were each given a gift made by students from the school.

"This is a wonderful event that is always a huge success," said Margaret Brown, Citizenship co-ordinator at Droitwich High.

"The party really gave some of the older people of Droitwich the chance to meet and talk to young people.

"It is so important we continue to break down these barriers so older residents can feel safer and not suffer from the fear of crime."