Generation game winners

Pride in Oldham nominees 'Age Exchange' project at Radclyffe School. Front are Emma Helm, Edna Crompton, Rachel Cox and Elsie Skeldon.

A PROJECT to break down barriers between different generations in Oldham is in line for another accolade.

The Age Exchange project at Radclyffe School has already received the royal seal of approval when pupils visited Prince Charles at Clarence House in 2007.

And now it is celebrating its eighth year with a Pride in Oldham Award nomination.

The joint initiative with Age Concern pairs Year 7 pupils with a local pensioner.

Over 10 weeks the youngsters then produce a book of their partner’s story, which is presented to them at a celebration event.

The programme, which pupils do in their free time, includes a wartime cookery session using rations such as powdered eggs. Pupils also help the pensioners with their IT skills.

History teacher Deborah Mason co-ordinates the scheme which she said helps to smash stereotypes.

“By the end, the pupils’ perceptions of older people have completely changed. They just see the person,” she explained.

“A lot of older people, particularly if they live alone, also see young people as yobs and intimidating. Their ideas change as well. It is just a really good inter-generational project.”

Proud head teacher Hardial Hayer is delighted with the nomination and said: “It is a win win situation for Age Concern people and our pupils.

“They think what our students do is wonderful. At the same time our students find that these people were young once too and had the same issues, all be it from a different period.”