FRIENDSHIPS across the decades are developing thanks to a collaboration between a care home and a primary school.

The Nelson Manor home in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, has joined together with Laneshaw Bridge Primary School for a ‘buddy scheme’ that will continue until Christmas.

Ten reception pupils, all aged four, met their elderly new friends for the first time this week. Many brought teddy bears to ‘break the ice’ and there was lots of singing.

Nelson Manor manager Joanne Murray said the partnership got off to a very good start.

She said: “It was fabulous to see the smiles on our residents’ faces and lovely to see them joining in.

“The children were confident and they are so open and transparent.”

The link came about after Lisa Burnham, a nurse at the home, saw a TV programme on the theme. She mentioned the idea to Gaynor Canty, the deputy head of the school in Emmott Lane, who visited the home and set up a weekly learning programme around the visits.

Ms Murray said the scheme was having a “positive impact”, adding: “The smiles were priceless.”