STUDENTS at Birchwood High School have been bridging the gap between old and young with safety lessons for their elderly neighbours.

The school's Youth Action pupils gave a talk to members of Birchwood Age Concern about the dangers posed by uninvited callers. The community-minded students are concerned about elderly people falling victim to bogus callers.

Jane Walker, who helps to co-ordinate the group, said: "The idea behind Youth Action is that young people develop projects which help reduce crime and benefit the community. It is also intended to steer people away from crime.

"It is a very active group and a lot of the members have some very strong ideas they like to express."

The pupils were well received by their senior neighbours. David Ricketts, chairman of Birchwood Age Concern, said: "They all had a little piece to read out about letting people into your home. Birchwood is a community high school and we want to get young and old people working together."

The Birchwood Youth Action Group has also been tackling other major issues in the community, including alcohol and graffiti problems.

"It is a very popular thing to do in school. The only unfortunate thing is that there are so many children who want to take part there are not enough places," added Mrs Walker.

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