THERE was a real cross community event this week at Droitwich Spa High School as part of its Christmas celebrations, with the school’s annual senior citizens’ Christmas party.

The party, which has been running every year since 2001, was organised and hosted by year nine pupils with carol singing, presents being given, and a host of mince pies being eaten to add to the fun.

The party is supported each year by Age UK, which invites 30 or so senior citizens from Droitwich and the surrounding area, providing transport to get them to the school for the entertainment and a buffet lunch.

Elizabeth Whitehouse from Droitwich Spa High School oversees the event. She said: “The event is important in so many ways for both our students and our senior neighbours. There are very few opportunities in which teenagers get a chance to interact with older members of the community beyond their own family, so this is a great way for them to demonstrate that the image that is presented of teenagers is not always a fair one.

“The school has a well-deserved reputation for being well integrated into the wider community and this is one of the key events in our calendar. The students get so much out of the event and always comment afterwards how much they have enjoyed it and how much they learn from their guests.”