Schoolchildren held a tea party yesterday to show their appreciation for seniors.

Reeshemah Swan, principal at Whitney Institute Middle School, said the second Seniors’ Tea Party was about making the older generation feel special.

She added: “We want them to know they are appreciated. Often they are overlooked, especially when it comes to the younger generation.”

Ms Swan said that it was important for pupils to mark the efforts of those who came before them.

She added: “A lot of the things they have done have paved the way for a lot of the rights and privileges we’re experiencing today, so this is our way of saying thank you.”

Ms Swan said the event was a success with more than 200 guests, including 104-year-old Winnifred Childs, the school’s oldest former pupil.

Ms Swan added the seniors in attendance “had a blast”.

She said: “They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They truly did.”

Ms Swan added that staff and students had “rallied together” to put on the event.

She said the school contacted charity Age Concern and island rest homes to help invite seniors to attend.

Each pupil was also sent home with an invitation to invite family members.

Ms Swan said: “It was really very touching, it was very home-grown.”

Guests were treated to performances of poetry and music by pupils as well as some special guests, including musician Tony Bari and singer Sheila Smith.

Ms Swan said she had already been approached about expanding next year’s event by one woman who attended.

She added: “I told her this is our second one and we’re open to ideas, but it will definitely be an annual event.”