WHEN youngsters from Stow Primary School sang carols to residents and guests of a local nursing care home, one resident on respite was prompted to raise money for a cause the children were involved in.

Lady Jenny Newborough, who has moved to one of the cottages within Newlands of Stow care home, was taken by the children's singing and learned they were raising money to buy a defibrillator for school and community use.

Veronica Woodford, who works in concierge and hospitality at Newlands of Stow said Lady Newborough immediately began raising money herself.

"Any visitors who called in to see her over Christmas were not allowed to leave until they had given her a donation towards the school's fundraising effort. She even emptied her swear box but the amount that was in it remains a secret," she said.

In the short time since Christmas, Lady Newborough has raised more than £760. The chilren were invited back to Newlands recently where they sang a medley of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and South African songs.

"The children then chatted to the residents and staff. Several had met them before and said how much they enjoyed visiting Newlands. To see both ends of the age spectrum together is a truly inspiring sight," said Mrs Woodford.

Lady Newborough presented the cheque to the school and was thanked by teaching assistant Gill Jefferies.