A CHRISTMAS party proved a real cracker for young and old at Crown Care Centre.

The festive bash was a celebration to mark the end of an inspiring music project which brought the generations together.

There was music, festive food and lots of fun.

Jaswinder Kaur, activities co-ordinator, said the party was great fun.

She said: "It was a full house, with toddlers and some babies.

"The families really enjoyed themselves.

"We had a wee special surprise for the children with Santa handing out gifts donated by Barnardo's and Meg Wallace, our manager, also provided a hot buffet for all the guests and service users."

"Seeing all different generations getting together, singing, dancing and chatting was lovely."

The music project took off when the local community learning and development (CLD) team started working with families from the Barnardo's early years service Stay and Play group.

Their aim was to encourage learning and play through music.

The families decided they wanted to reach out to older people in the community and put on a Christmas performance.

At the same time Crown Care Centre had contacted CLD for some input in the day care service.

Jaswinder said: "I was keen to add to the programme the day care centre offers and encourage links to the wider community.

"Jo Clark, of CLD, delivered music and reminiscence sessions for the service users to help increase overall health and wellbeing.

"Our service users were encouraged to think of songs from their childhood that made them happy so they could share them with the families from Barnardo’s."