CHILDREN visited a care home to bring some light into the lives of residents.

The pupils from Iceni Academy in Colchester, who regularly visit residents at Stanway Green Lodge, took part in an arts and crafts session in time for Diwali - the festival of light.

They joined the elderly residents in making candle holders out of old CDs and decorating them.

Pupils visit the care home twice a month to build relationships with the residents.

Aniket Kanitkar, manager at the care home, said: “As the children have had contact with the elderly they just bound into the room.

“They have been coming here for about a year now, it works really well.

“They come in once a month with the vicar at All Saints Church too.”

Lou Cotter, community cohesion lead at the school, said it was a fantastic opportunity for the children to help in the community.

She said: “They have been taking along their maths and English books and discussing their learning with the ladies and gentlemen. The children benefit hugely.”