Wyre nurseries prove you are never too old to be a little explorer

Children at Little Explorers, on West Drive in Thornton, visit the residents of Westport House on Fleetwood Road North, Thornton regularly to take part in activities, play games and "build bonds" between each generation.

The Carleton branch, on Fleetwood Road, also joins in fortnightly after staff at the nurseries saw the benefits of bringing everyone together.

Emma Rathbone, nursery manager and owner, said: "Over the last three years our Thornton nursery has been working closely with our local rest home, Westport House, which was so beneficial that our Carleton nursery now also visit.

"We have a routine. We greet each other, share a snack and then do an activity together.

"Sometimes we play instruments and read, and even took a parachute in once. We have made strong binds with the residents and now the children rush to tell them what they've been up to."

The children also visit the residents in their rooms if they are too weak to come out, and share stories, chat and sing together, Emma said.

The residents of Westport House asked children to help with their gardening last year, and work on projects in the home led to the group winning the RHS Level 5 gardening award.

Westport House is a residential home for elderly people with dementia, and houses 11 people.

Joanna Carrigan, manager of the home, said: "It's been really good for the residents to have the children visiting.

"It brings back lots of memories for them, and gives them a great chance for interaction and reminiscing, they all really enjoy it."