A DEDICATED group of young volunteers who wanted to bridge the generation gap spent their Saturday hosting a special lunch for elderly residents.

The team 16 to 17-year-olds from schools across Darlington have joined the Government’s National Citizen Service (NCS) programme, which is aimed at encouraging teens to embrace new challenges, learn new skills and make a difference to their community.

As part of the programme, the group of 12 teenagers hosted a pie and pea lunch for elderly people in Darlington.

Their team leader Vicki Worrall said: “They organised everything themselves and gave each other specific roles so the day would run smoothly.

“The day went really well and plenty of people turned up. They have done so well and should all be very proud of themselves.

"I am extremely proud of them and I am going to really miss them all.”

Registration for the NCS programme will open again in January 2013. For more information visit nationalcitizenservice.direct.gov.uk