The first cohort of teenagers from a Watford secondary school visited a care home in the town to chat with elderly residents and learn about dementia.

At the end of the visit to the 80-bed Greenbanks care home, the 14 and 15-year-olds from Watford Grammar School for Girls were given befriender badges by Marion Brown, who represented the Hertfordshire Lieutenancy on behalf of the Queen. 

Teacher Yvonne Bateson, who led the first of three visits by 47 Year 10 girls this term, said: “We were made to feel so welcome, and the girls really enjoyed speaking to the old people.”

YOPEY Befriender is a new activity organised by the charity YOPEY, which runs the Hertfordshire Young People of the Year awards.

Greenbanks is one of two Runwood Group care homes taking part in the scheme in Watford.

Runwood chief executive Gordon Sanders said: “We think the YOPEY Befriender scheme is a fantastic initiative.

“It is bringing a large number of young people into our homes, and putting a smile on the faces of our residents.”