GENERATIONS joined forces yesterday for a special music session at a nursing home.

Toddlers visited the Aldingham Nursing Home in Ulverston to join together for Christmas fun.

The children, who visited as part of the Furness Rhythm Time group, brought their favourite musical instruments to the nursing home to make music alongside the residents.

The session saw them play along to well-known Christmas carols, with festive favourites Jingle Bells and Silent Night on the setlist.

Marion Johnston, who runs the Rhythm Time group in Furness and South Lakes, got the idea for the youngster to visit the care home residents after discussion with her friend who runs a residential nursing home in Kendal.

Mrs Johnston said: “There has been lots in the press recently about intergenerational projects and how valuable they are for all involved.

“So we thought it would be a lovely idea to hold a Rhythm Time session for a local home for the elderly.

“I have a friend who manages a home and she thought it was a great idea.

“When we held a session there it was a great success.”

The session saw the children play drums and ring bells under the guidance of music teacher Amy Garnett.

Intergenerational activities are said to help elderly people keep active help children’s development and Mrs Johnston, who has run the group for 17 years, said the session was enjoyed by both groups.

She said: “Activities like these are a huge benefit for both the generations.

“We were told the residents really enjoyed the session and want the children to come back another time.”

Rhythm Time classes are run across Furness and south Cumbria for babies , toddlers and pre-school children.

They are designed by a music teacher to run in line with early years foundation stages used by schools.

Mrs Johnstone said: “Every child is an individual with great potential.

“We teach parents how to make music fun for their child, and show them how to help to unlock their potential by singing and making music together. “