Care home residents are participating in an intergenerational project, exchanging letters of wisdom and advice with schoolchildren.

Care UK's Ancasta Grove in Sarisbury Green is pioneering a pen pal scheme with Sarisbury Infant School students, bridging generational gaps and fostering mutual understanding.

Marilyn Mollart-Rogerson, 84, said: "I am excited to write letters to the schoolchildren and it is important for them to learn the art of writing a letter. They are growing up in a very different world and this skill will easily be forgotten."

Joel Ignacio, home manager at Ancasta Grove, said: "Writing is an enjoyable pastime and can be beneficial in many ways, particularly for older people – helping to maintain memory function and offering a sense of purpose.

"This exciting new scheme with Sarisbury Infant School will give both generations a chance to express themselves and inspire one another. It will be wonderful to see it unfolding and I hope the letters will bring many moments of joy to both the residents and children over the coming months."

In May children started fortnightly visits to the home where residents share life experiences and insights, enhancing their communication skills and developing relationships outside their peer group.

The aim is to become pen pals over time.

Fareham's Mayor, Councillor Pal Hayre, visited the home to officially endorse the scheme.

This project is expected to enrich children's writing skills during their summer holidays.

Ancasta Grove, in Barnes Lane, provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, plus respite and end of life care services.