Stansted care home residents celebrated National Storytelling Week by reading classic children's books with primary school pupils.

As part of the nationwide initiative, residents from Care UK's Mountfitchet House invited children from Elsenham Primary School to share in the joy of reading.

Arriving in colourful costumes, the children read books including The Whale Who Wanted More, The Gruffalo, and Fox’s Socks with residents, who had been rehearsing their character voices.

Resident Audrey, 93, said: "I used to work at a school as a secretary and loved reading with the children then.

"I loved listening to the children read their favourite books and seeing their smiles brightened up my day."

Home manager Joanna Duke said: “We’ve had a wonderful week of storytelling here at Mountfitchet House.

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"Children’s literature is key to unlocking imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of reading, so it was great to welcome Elsenham Primary School into the home.

"Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial to both younger and older people alike and can help provide residents with a stronger sense of wellbeing and purpose – it was heart-warming to see the residents reminiscing over their favourite childhood stories and characters.

"We’re already looking forward to welcoming the children back to Mountfitchet House very soon!"