PRIMARY school children brought some Christmas cheer to elderly patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAHT) in Harlow, when they came in to sing carols.

Staff on Gibberd ward at PAHT invited patients, families and staff to come along and enjoy a mince pie while the Katherines Primary Academy choir performed some favourite Christmas songs. Gibberd ward was newly completed recently as a dedicated unit to provide special care for very frail patients and those living with dementia.

Thirty-five youngsters aged seven to 11 were on hand with music teacher Emma Crossingham. She has been preparing for the concert with the year three to six students since September and they were certainly in full voice. She said: “The children have done amazingly well, and have learnt a range of carols, both old and new, which went down well with our audience.”

Ward manager Michelle Ashman said: “Gibberd ward is a wonderful newly unit, providing the ideal environment for these elderly patients. They really benefited from the visit and the lovely carols.”

Nine-year-old Abbie from the academy said she felt quite emotional when she found out how their carols would bring comfort to elderly patients. She said: “I was sad when I heard that there were elderly people who are poorly and in hospital at Christmas time, so it was nice to do something to cheer them up.”