RESIDENTS at a care home have found unlikely friends in some big-hearted primary school children.

Pupils at Milldene Primary School in Tiptree have befriended residents at Foxburrow Grange, a nursing and dementia care home in Colchester, after writing them heartfelt letters.

The primary school pupils, who wanted to connect with those living in the home, penned the letters telling the residents about themselves.

Emma Kiss, wellbeing coordinator at Foxburrow Grange Nursing Home, said: “Jo Munson, who is wellbeing mentor at Milldene, contacted us in January to see if they can help our residents with something, since then we are in touch with them.”

READ MORE: A sweet Tiptree-based gift for birthday girl Phyllis as she turns 104

The letters sent to Foxburrow Grange residents from the children informed them of which school they go to, what year they’re in, what they’re learning about and the names of their teachers.

Some residents read these themselves while others had them read to them.

“First the students sent letters for our residents, after that we had a zoom meeting when our residents had a lovely chat with them,” Emma added.

“Everybody said something about themselves and they got to know each other a little bit more.”

The ladies at the care home told staff they were very impressed by how clever and polite the year one pupils are.

READ MORE: In Pictures - Primary school class go extra (100) miles for homeless charity

“The letters, their pictures and some drawings which we got are all on our board,” she added.

“We are looking forward to the next zoom meeting, our residents have been invited to watch a singing assembly with the children.

“Our residents are happy to be in contact with the students, they said it is something exciting and different.”

Residents are involved in regular activities in the home, which usually includes visits from pre-school children.

However, the pupils at Milldene are not yet able to visit as the home is following the Government and Public Health England guidance due to Covid.

They are planning to visit their new friends in the care home once it is safe for them to do so.

Their letters are displayed on the wall in the home for residents to read whenever they like.