BELOVED grandparents proved an inspiring topic for creative schoolchildren when a nearby care home challenged them to enter a writing competition.

Willowdene Care Home in Sedgefield invited youngsters from Sedgefield and Fishburn Primary Schools to write about their grandparents.

From smiley dispositions and the scent of roses; to hilarious caravan holidays and tributes to lost loved ones – the schoolchildren produced a heart-warming selection of stories and poems.

The entries were then sent to the care home where a panel of staff and residents selected the winning entries.

Today, (Wednesday, February 12), the youngsters returned to the home to read out their work and receive certificates and prizes, including book vouchers and engraved trophies.

Willowdene activities co-ordinator Angela Penman said it had been a very difficult decision but said the overall winner Joe Whitehill, seven, who attends Sedgefield Primary School, had staff and residents in stitches with his story about an eventful caravanning holiday in Wales.

“It was such a lovely story, a real adventure,” said Ms Penman.

“Here at Willowdene we like to get involved with the community and bring people into the home. The work the children produced was absolutely brilliant and the residents really enjoyed reading it and choosing their favourites.”

Sam Smith, deputy head at Sedgefield Primary School, said: “We are very proud of Joe and all the children who took part. They love reading and writing and the competition gave them something to focus their literacy skills on.”