RESIDENTS from The Manor House Bupa Care Home in Birkenhead and children from Eastway Primary School in Moreton have united in a passion for reading.

This is part of a joint initiative by Bupa and the National Literacy Trust.

The project, named Generations of Stories, is funded by the Bupa Foundation and Bupa Care Services.

It seeks to foster a love for reading among children, an activity known to aid educational progress and mental wellbeing.

Simultaneously, it provides meaningful social interactions for the elderly, helping combat loneliness and potentially slowing cognitive decline.

The reading session saw children from Eastway Primary School invited to The Manor House Care Home for a morning of reading, fun, and making new friends.

Professional storyteller John Hughes gathered everyone to animate the world of books.

The children were also gifted with free books, including 'Greta and the Giants', to motivate them to continue their reading journey at home.

Pam Amson, a resident, said: "It was wonderful to spend time with the children and to read together.

"It reminded me of reading to my children and grandchildren when they were little.

"The children told me about their favourite stories and I reminisced about my favourite books as a child – I’ve always loved books about animals.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the children again and hearing about their progress with their reading."

Angela Mcard, home manager at The Manor House, said: "Our residents love spending time with children, they bring such energy to the home and reading is an activity that everyone can enjoy together.

"We’re so pleased to be involved with this partnership at The Manor House, we strive to provide the highest quality care for our residents and play an active role in the local community.

"Seeing the children and our residents bond has been so wonderful and rewarding in many ways."

Lisa Clissett from the National Literacy Trust said: "Reading is a powerful way to bring people together and reading for pleasure has a huge host of benefits, including supporting both education and wellbeing."

The initiative involves six Bupa care homes across the country partnering with nearby primary schools to inspire a love of reading.

More than 250 schoolchildren will receive donated books and participate in inspirational reading sessions.