An afternoon of companionship, chat and cheers was enjoyed by pensioners in the Port

Senior citizens were invited to a Twilight Tea at the St Stephen's High School Hub.

They were entertained with live music from the Songbird group of local singers, a piper and bingo.

Cuppas, delicious sandwiches and cake were served and senior citizens from Newark Care Home and Murshiel Day Centre were joined by folk from Holy Family Church bingo sessions plus people with grandchildren at the school.

Lynne Tosh, literacy and numeracy support worker at the school, was one of the organisers.

She said: "Since the hub opened in August we've had movie nights, band nights and pamper nights.

"We have held events for adults but we decided we wanted to give something back to the older generation.

"Many parents couldn't work if it wasn't for grandparents and I think sometimes when children go to high school, grandparents feel a bit redundant.

"So we decided to hold an afternoon tea and we're hoping to have more events maybe at the end of term.

"It's been a great success."

Jamie McGowan, spiritual and pastoral support in the school also helped to arrange the event and invited his friend Ryan Turley to play the pipes.

He said: "A lot of pupils in the school are cared for by their grandparents and we wanted to give something back.

"A lot of people don't get the chance to get out like this to socialise to see each other to make new friends."

Isabel McLaughlin, 72, said: "It's been a good wee day out.

"We'd only be sitting looking at the four walls otherwise.

"Everytime you look round the hall everyone is smiling."

Sarah Hanley, 74, said: "It was absolutely lovely. I really enjoyed the singing and I won at the bingo.

"A lot of work has gone into it."

Rena Glancy, 72, told the Tele she had a 'brilliant' time at the tea party.

She said: "I think the young ones were great.

"I think there should be more events like this."

Susie O'Donoghue, nurture and wellbeing support worker at the school, said: "It's a way for older people to get out meet new people and enjoy a bit of entertainment."