ExtraCare staff and residents at the scheme invited the pupils from the nearby Rowan Gate School along to sing for them for the fourth year running.

The residents were entertained with songs such as White Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and The Twelve Days of Christmas. Some residents even joined in the singing and dancing, as did the staff, including Activity Co-ordinator Ray Fortuin.

About 20 residents turned up for the concert, and they were joined by staff from the local ExtraCare Charity Shop in Rushden, who were selling some stock so that people could finish their Christmas shopping.

The music teacher at Rowan Gate School, Jan Hall, said her pupils love performing. "They really enjoy it, all of them love singing, and having an audience makes such a difference for them. We'd like to do more, but it's getting transport that's a problem for us."

After their performance, the children came out to chat to the residents before going back to school.

Ray, who organised the event, said the children were back by popular demand from the residents. "We went to see a concert recently with lots of local primary schools and Rowan Gate had the biggest choir - and the loudest voices, too! They're really good and the residents love them."

Picture: Residents at Imperial Court enjoy the children's singing.

See more pictures of ExtraCare at Christmas on Flickr!

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For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk