School pupils invited elderly people from their community for an afternoon of entertainment.

About 100 guests arrived at Deerness Valley School, in Ushaw Moor, last week for the Christmas party. There was a carol service, bingo, raffles, and drama and music provided by the school choir and band.

As well as helping to organise and run the event, children at the school had raised some of the money to fund the party.

It was the culmination of a string of projects over the past year, where students have worked with older generations in the community, helping clean up gardens and serving pie and peas suppers at events.

The Friends of Deerness Valley School, made up of Ushaw residents, parents and ex-pupils, organised the party.

Chairman Valerie Snaith said: "We were wanting the children and the elderly to get together so that they see each other in a different light. It's an inter-generational event, to promote good relations between the school and the wider community."