FOOD parcels and an annual tea dance helped span the generation gap each Christmas for pupils at a Furness School.

In December 1988 pupils from Alfred Barrow School, in Duke Street, were taking out more than 70 food parcels to Barrow pensioners.

The school's annual Christmas appeal was organised by teacher Paul Shenton.

Among those to get his extra festive produce from the youngsters was John James, aged 87, of Rawlinson Street, Barrow.

His special doorstep delivery was made by third year pupils Suzanne Kirby and Emma Cooke.

In December 1995 pupils again had parcels ready to deliver to the elderly in Barrow.

Those pictured giving a helping hand were Craig Morgan,aged 11; Clare Woodend, 12; Chris Banks, 15; Kaye Warby, 11 and Alex King.

Another festive community project at the school was to bring young and older generations together for a tea dance.

The Mail, on Thursday, December 20, in 1990, noted:"Teenagers more used to disco dancing enjoyed the more sedate rhythms of the moonlight saunter, waltz and veleta under the guidance of pensioners from St George's Thursday Luncheon Club and Age Concern's keep fit class.

"This the fourth year the school has provided a party for local pensioners at Christmas and the 24 boys and girls, all volunteers, provided a sumptuous buffet spread complete with a glass of festive sherry.

"The afternoon ended with carol singing and Auld Lang Syne."

The December 1996 had 80 elderly guests - including two in wheelchairs.

The Mail, on Saturday, December 14, noted: "What makes the school's annual dance special is the 15 and 16-year-olds from the school council take time out to learn ballroom and country dancing so they could escort their guests on the dancefloor.

"This year some tuition was given by retired teacher Peter Jacobs in school.

"Other lessons were at Forum 28.

"The afternoon dance and party in the school's main hall had a VIP guest this year in the form of the High Sheriff of Cumbria,Henry Bowring.

"He was so impressed by Alfred Barrow's efforts, in an age when older people are frightened or suspicious of teenagers, that he gave the school a £200 grant towards the cost of the party from his Cumbria Crime beat charity."

Teacher Elizabeth Williams, on of the organisers, said:"What makes the party special is that you have got old people and young people enjoying themselves together.

"The elderly people certainly benefit by seeing what young people are prepared to do to build bridges."