A ROYAL school event helped blossom an unlikely friendship at a special afternoon tea party.

Pupils of Ysgol Bryn Coch, in Mold, hosted high tea for guests from The Cottage Nursing Home, also in Mold, to celebrate the royal wedding this Saturday.

Video and images by Geoff Abbott

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to tie the knot at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry was christened, was cooperated into a Flintshire scheme driving two generations together.

A dozen elderly guests were delighted to be welcomed by students on the school council, who served them tea and cake, and acted as the perfect hosts for their less-able visitors.

In true Windsor regal style, vintage crockery and tea-sets as well as classic Victoria Sponge Cake were used in the celebration.

Laura Eriksen, year four teacher, decided to launch the inter-generation scheme in a bid to widen the schools links with the local community.

She said: "We wanted to celebrate the royal wedding, and the Cottage is a lovely care home and is only up the road, which makes it perfect to link up with.

"A lot of residents at the nursing home are large figures in the community, and it's a good opportunity for all our students, from years two to six, to get involved with a community project.

"It's the first time the residents have come to the school, as the pupils have visited them in the past to play old-fashioned board games. It's lovely for the care home residents, it breaks up the day for them."

The life-experiences guests helped the youngsters complete a 'royal quiz,' and both generations worked together to find the answers to royal-related questions.

Lynne Hulme, activity assistant at the residential home, said the event was a heartwarming example of human affection.

She said: "The event was lovely, and we will keep doing it as much as we can. It's so sweet to see the relationship building, and to see the pupils helping the elderly guests to eat as they have lost ability in their hands is just wonderful.

"There has been a positive and amazing response in our residents from these activities. It's uplifting, and you only have to look at their faces to see how much they're enjoying it. It helps the children learn and understand about different ailments.

"They have been so excited to come to the school. The school are also trying to reach their dementia-friendly status, which ties in with this event."

Pupils will also be visiting the gardens at The Cottage, which is open to the public under the National Garden Scheme, for their 'living things' project in school.

The afternoon tea party was an opportunity for the pupils to showcase their musical talents with songs rom Cats the musical, The Greatest Showman, and film Moana.

96-year-old resident Gwen Edwards said it brought back memories of her musical days, including her claim to fame as a chorister in Prince Charles' and Lady Diana's wedding in 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral.

Mrs Edwards said: "I don't remember much, but the first thing I noticed on the day was how terrible Lady Diana's dress was.

"I think it's very important children learn the value of music, and I've enjoyed myself at this afternoon tea and singing event.

"Even I'll be watching the royal wedding on Saturday."

The event was a blast from the past for Enid Jones, formed head teacher of Acton Primary School in Wrexham and the former Alexander school in Rhyl.

Mrs Jones, 94, said: "I used to travel every day from Mold to Wrexham. This event is great and it's very good to get children associated with parts of life that goes on in Mold. It brings different generations together."

The Cottage will be hosting a royal party on Saturday as residents watch the royal couple wed in London from the comfort of their Flintshire home.