Youngsters from St John’s Playtime Pre-School visited Shaftesbury House Residential Home yesterday to spread a little Christmas cheer.

Ipswich Star: St John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWNSt John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The children visit the home once a months to see their friends at the home - to chat, play games and sing along with nursery rhymes.

Ipswich Star: St John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWNSt John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Yesterday they opened a big box of Christmas crackers and residents entertained the kids by reading aloud the festive jokes.

Ipswich Star: St John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWNSt John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Chris Bailey, activities leader at the home, said: “We had a lovely time.

Ipswich Star: St John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWNSt John's Playtime Pre School pay Shaftesbury House Care Home residents a visit. Left to right, Ron Cotton, Grace Chatfield and Ruth Flack. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“The children and residents love spending time with each other.

“One of the residents said to me she loves it because it reminds her of when her own children were at that age.

“She said it really takes her back.”

Sarah Knill, pre-school assistant at St Johns, added: “The children really enjoyed themselves visiting the residents.

“They really love going to see their friends.”