Pre-school children from Bright Sparks Private Day Nursery, Mansfield, visited elderly residents at Westfield Care Home in the town.

The children, dressed up for Christmas, received a warm welcome from residents, staff and the owners.

Children shared their favourite festive songs and classic pre-school story The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson. The story was brought to life with props.

The youngsters were given a wrapped gift to take away and residents were left with clementines to remind them of their Christmas stockings of the past.

The home said the residents’ pleasure at seeing the children lifted their spirits and stimulated thoughts and conversation.

Nursery owner Laura Gapski encourages youngsters to interact with the elderly.

She said Bright Sparks held a grandparents’ day each year to celebrate “the unique and mutual admiration that exists between young and old.