Christmas celebrations for senior citizens at Whitworth High

Georgia Prince entertains the senior citizens at the party at Whitworth Community High School while Jaydan Hanson-Beech and others dance

More than 40 senior citizens enjoyed a lovely Christmas party at Whitworth Community High School, one of a host of activities for the festive season.

Local residents were invited into the school to enjoy a selection of sandwiches and treats prepared by the school’s food technology students.

The VIPs were then entertained by students who danced and sang on the stage while staff played guitars.

Georgia Prince and Jaydan Hanson-Beech, both 14, performed ‘All I want for Christmas’, and others danced.

Georgia said: “It was lovely to entertain the older people and they were so nice. They have a lovely spirit and are always so optimistic about everything.”

They also helped give out presents to the guests. Jaydan said: “They were really happy to receive a gift because they did not expect it. I enjoyed seeing their reaction.”

Macy-Mae Watkinson, 13, said: “I sang ‘The Power of Love’ at the senior citizens’ party, it was the first time I had sung in front of an audience, so it was good practice for me because I then performed it at the school concert.”

At the concert Macy-Mae also played cornet in the school brass band and sang in the vocal group and the choir.

Poppy Yeomans, 13, said: “At the concert I played the ukulele and also sang the Lily Allen song ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ and I was trying not to be nervous.”

The school choir, along with GCSE music students, also sang at a carol concert at The Riverside in Whitworth.

Students and staff also helped to raise money for Rossendale Hospice by paying £1 to wear Christmas jumpers or hats and the dining hall was transformed with decorated tables, crackers and napkins for a school Christmas lunch.