YOUNGSTERS from a Chester school choir featured on the BBC's Children in Need fundraising TV programme alongside residents at later living community.

The pupils from The Queen's School enjoyed a sing-along with residents of Gifford Lea in Tattenhall and recorded a special version of a new song, which was broadcast during the coverage of the charity appeal on Friday, November 15.

More than 70 pupils performed ‘Song for the World’, written by former BBC newsreader Diana Mather.

The young choristers also enjoyed chatting with the residents about their mutual love of music over refreshments.

James Cobb, Director of Inspired Villages, which runs Gifford Lea, said: “The event was a big success and everyone involved had a fantastic time.

“We believe that retirement can, and should, be the best years of your life. Gifford Lea hosts a range of different events and activities centred around wellbeing, that encourage residents to join in - whether it’s trying something new or rediscovering an old hobby.

“Research says that intergenerational mixing enhances people’s wellbeing, so it was great to see two generations singing together and chatting happily about their shared love of music.”

Diana penned the words to ‘Song for the World’ to the tune of ‘Carol of the Bells’, a popular Christmas carol, to raise money for Children in Need and climate change charities.

Explaining why she chose Gifford Lea for the event, Diana said: “Gifford Lea is full of fantastic opportunities for its residents, which is important because loneliness is one of the biggest problems for all ages – especially older people.”

Rebecca Broome, a music teacher at The Queen’s School, agreed that it was important for the different generations to mix, and choir member Esther Smellie, 15, added: “The event was a lot of fun and it was great to see everyone’s faces. There’s a lot we can teach each other.”

A total of 30 residents of the retirement village watched the performance and later joined the pupils in a sing-along, which included the uplifting classic, ‘Bring Me Sunshine’.

Resident, Mary Slot, 88, said: “It was lovely to have the young people here and to have their influence. They were very impressed with the premises, too.

“We have some younger residents at Gifford Lea and we’re all from different backgrounds. It’s a very happy community. I play piano and we’re hoping to start our own little singing group here.”

Fellow resident Caroline Young said: “I believe passionately in the benefits of music and in encouraging people to sing. It was lovely to hear the young voices.”

And Jenny Holloway, 82, added: “The event was great fun and not too serious.”