HASLEMERE Mayor Malcolm Carter dropped into Hindhead’s Huntington House care home to enjoy its new friendship with nearby St Edmund’s School’s Nursery.

Children from Little Ed’s Nursery are paying weekly visits to Huntington House, thanks to a pioneering partnership initiated by nursery manager Karen Bailey.

The children, aged between three and four years old, have been joining the residents every Wednesday to enjoy activities together, such as telling stories, singing and playing games.

Huntington House managing director Charlie Hoare said: “The children’s visits have been an instant hit with our residents. There is fundamental evidence that combining the two generations within a social setting, can seriously reduce the levels of loneliness and depression amongst the elderly, while at the same time encouraging the children to interact and be comfortable with older people, and broadening their understanding of their community.

“There is no doubting the Little Ed’s visits are a highlight of the week here now.”

Mr Carter added: “I was told of one elderly resident who had not smiled or communicated for quite some time, who upon hearing the children sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, sat up and joined in smiling all the way through.

“What a wonderful coalition and I am so grateful to Little Ed’s for bringing such joy to this valued generation of our community.”

In a pre-Christmas treat, not only are the children joining residents for carol singing, but they will also be performing their traditional nativity for their new friends.