STUDENTS at a North-East secondary school welcomed older local residents to their school for a slap-up Christmas party.

More than 60 people visited Parkside Academy, in Willington near Crook, for an afternoon of food, music, and festive fun.

The Northern Echo: Some visitors were really feeling the music!Some visitors were really feeling the music! (Image: Chris Barron)

Kelly Armstrong, headteacher of Parkside Academy, said: “We’re delighted to say that our annual OAP party has once again been a smashing success! Events like this are so important to us, and we are immensely proud of continuing to support the local community.

“The students have outdone themselves with planning, organising, running, and compering the party, as well as providing all the entertainment. Our visitors have been treated to performances from rock bands, brass bands, pop bands, singers, our choir, and even an extract from Les Miserables!”

The Northern Echo: Students served food and drinks. from left: Aiden Graham, Tia-Jay Peacock, Libby Lloyd, and Kyle StokerStudents served food and drinks. from left: Aiden Graham, Tia-Jay Peacock, Libby Lloyd, and Kyle Stoker (Image: Chris Barron)

More than 50 pupils helped to serve drinks and food, entertained the visitors, ran a raffle, and held games of bingo. They also generously donated food and gifts to ensure that every visitor left with a mini goody hamper, containing items like chocolates and mince pies.

The Northern Echo: German teacher, James Lambert, handed out goody bagsGerman teacher, James Lambert, handed out goody bags (Image: Chris Barron)

Among the visitors were Sheila and Geoff Carrick, whose grandson Kyle Stoker helped out at the party, and played cornet in the brass band performance.

Grandad Geoff – wearing a striking Christmas jumper that read ‘I’m Sexy and I Snow It’ – said: “It’s been a really good time. We’ve really enjoyed it all, it’s been years since we had a game of bingo! The music was good, although the cornet was a bit flat!”

The Northern Echo: Kyle Stoker with his granddad Geoff CarrickKyle Stoker with his granddad Geoff Carrick (Image: Chris Barron)

This year is the sixteenth time that Parkside Academy, which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership family of schools, has opened its doors at Christmas to the local OAP community.

“I would just like to say a massive thank you to our guests for coming along, and to all the students who really went the extra mile to make this a special day,” added Kelly.

“I’m also very grateful to our school counsellor and community partnerships lead, Donna Heslop, and our new head of music, Johnathan Fenwick, who were instrumental in organising everything, as well as to Durham Music Service for their support.”