YOUNG and old are growing special friendships from flower craft sessions.

Youngsters from Kelly Street Nursery visited Belleaire House and quickly became friends with residents.

The tots were helping to make paper flowers for a national gardening competition run by the owners of the care home.

Maggie McElwee, activities co-ordinator with care home, said: "We have lovely views here but the grounds are mostly laid out in patio, so we thought we'd use our imagination and create our own garden with paper flowers and we thought the children could contribute to the project.

"We hope to build a close relationship with an arts and crafts group and games and puzzles.

"It's very important for residents to mix with youngsters.

"It's a very calm, happy atmosphere.

"It's like a relationship between grandmothers and their grandchildren when the children are here.

The visit proved very popular with residents.

Moira Kemp, 84, said: "It's wonderful having the children here. It lifts the atmosphere mentally and physically.

"I did work at a nursery at one time and I love kids. I like to see them happy."

The nursery will soon move to its new premises Glenpark Early Learning Centre on the site of the former Greenock Academy which is next door to the care home, and it is hoped there will be more joint projects between the two establishments in the years to come.

Belleaire House manager Avril McFarlane said: "With Kelly Street Nursery moving next door we hope to bring the different generations together and encourage a bit of community spirit."