Youngsters from Norton St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Letchworth gave cards to residents of the town’s Macfadyen Sheltered Scheme this morning, then played games with them before settling down for drinks and cakes.

The nine pupils, aged between seven and 11, based the cards on the theme of kindness, with messages, poems and short stories inside, and made them at school.

The visit was organised by North Herts District Council in partnership with the school and Howard Cottage Housing Association – which manages the scheme – to help break down barriers and misconceptions about young people and anti-social behaviour, and to mark the national campaign ‘Send a Card to a Friend Day’.

Jon Thurlow from Macfadyen said: “This is a wonderful initiative that brings generations together and I am really happy that the children from Norton St Nicholas visited and shared this lovely morning.”

Councillor Tony Hunter, executive member for community engagement at the district council, added: “The children and the residents really enjoyed the day.

“It also helps to address issues that older people in sheltered accommodation may have, like feeling vulnerable and possibly lonely.

“We all lead busy lives so this is a good opportunity to pause for a moment and send a card to an older person it may even make their day.”