CHRISTMAS past and Christmas present is the talk of children and older people at a Derwentside primary school participating in a special scheme.

Age Concern County Durham have teamed up with Benfieldside Primary School in Moorlands, Consett, to examine the theme of Christmas.

Each of the volunteers, aged over 50, are passing on their thoughts of Christmas from their young days and have learned what the younger generation think of the festive season.

Each class has been working on separate projects including a nativity play, which will include a seldom-seen photography sketch.

The play will be part of the school's end of term celebrations this Friday.

Age Concern received cash from the National Lottery for the project and hope to repeat it in different schools in the coming years.

Age Concern County Durham co-ordinator Diana Hinns said: "The children are fascinated by the stories of a Christmas without televisions and computers. Many find it hard to understand the idea of receiving a Christmas stocking as their only gift.

"The volunteers have explained how enjoyable their childhood Christmases were, without Harry Potter and the sound of Steps, and in return the children have taught the volunteers to appreciate Christmas through their eyes.