A HEART-WARMING initiative is helping young and older residents alike to feel connected.

Each week children from Elton High School visit residents at a care home in Bury to take part in art classes together.

The home, Elizabeth House in Walshaw Road, is hoping to develop its links with the community.

Louise Hart, Registered Manager at Elizabeth House, said: “The students that come are an absolute credit to their school and they are excellent in their help and delivery with the various art activities that take place each week.

"We strongly believe in linking with the community to help all our residents engage in events and meet people in order to promote wellbeing and enjoyment every day.

"This project, called Art to Heart, has become a very special time of the week for the residents of Elizabeth House, who look forward to the weekly visit from the students."

Year 7s from Elton High visit Elizabeth House once each week to paint, draw and carry out other crafts.

The project promotes creativity, mental wellbeing and conversation between the generations.

Art to Heart was founded by Elton High in 2005 and aims to improve access to the arts for people of all ages.

Helen Perry, Community Arts Manager at Elton High School said: "The visits help our students to improve their confidence and communication skills and encourages mutual respect and understanding.

"At the same time the sessions provide residents with the benefits of therapeutic art activities, mental stimulation and social interaction with our students. Art to Heart is a project we feel is vitally important and something we are extremely proud of at Elton.”

The Art to Heart sessions take place at Elizabeth House every Wednesday morning during term-time.