MOTHERS in Oxford have come together to create the first 'intergenerational playgroup' in the county.

After a successful trial in December, a playgroup for children and the elderly is being launched next month.

It comes after the popular Channel 4 series, Old People’s Homes for 4 Year Olds, where a retirement home opened a nursery for children as young as 3.

The programme explored whether children playing with the elderly drastically improved the health and happiness of the older group.

Madeleine Burgess, mother of two boys, has followed the idea by creating an intergenerational playgroup in Oxford and believes it will be a great way for children to meet and have fun with older people.

She said: "I'm really excited to make this a regular group and for the residents and families to get to know each other over time. It's such a lovely and important thing to have a place to go to meet other parents, be part of a community and get out of the house."

The trial run which was held at The Lady Nuffield Home in Summertown, allowed children to sing Christmas carols led by Bella from Raise Your Voice Choir, play with toys and do colouring with residents.

Mrs Burgess, who is also the creator of online mothers group, Oxford Mumbler, said: “Everyone really enjoyed it. We were made so welcome, and the kids liked having somewhere new to play and my son liked being read to by the residents. My baby got non-stop cuddles which was brilliant for him as at home and at playgroups he has to make do with a bouncer while I get on with things.

“The residents looked as though they really liked the cuddles with the baby, and spending time with the older kids as well. When I went back a few days later to collect something, I was told that the residents had been talking about it loads, which was so lovely to hear. It was a really special morning.”

The new monthly playgroup called Nippers and Slippers is being launched at the Isis House, operated by The Orders of St John Care Trust, in Cowley where children can take part in singing and craft activities.

Chanice Lyne, activity coordinator at the home said: “Holding the group at Isis House is something new and exciting for the home and will help everyone involved to build new friendships.”

Maddie Pill, also an activity coordinator, said: “The group will bring different age groups together to find things in common and it will be wonderful to see residents and the children learning from each other. Everyone can relate to music and singing.”

It will be a free drop-in playgroup, with a £1 suggested donation to go towards the free tea and coffee and craft activity.

The first session will be held on February 1 at 10.30am.