THE festive spirit arrived early at McCarthy and Stone’s Clarendon House Retirement Living development on Tower Road in Branksome Park.

It was thanks to a special delivery from Poole pupils within The Education Alliance of Canford Heath (TEACH).

Children from Canford Heath Junior School, Canford Heath Infant School, Haymoor Junior School and Ad Astra Infant School, created over 30 Christmas cards containing festive messages.

Nicki Beswarick of McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: “This year it was important for us to get creative and find new ways of bringing the community together, despite the challenges we’re all facing. The school pupils have gone above and beyond to produce some incredible Christmas cards, which have truly brought some Yuletide comfort and festive cheer to homeowners at Clarendon House.

“Engagement with the communities in which we build is a key focus at McCarthy and Stone, never more so than throughout 2020 when we all might be feeling a little more isolated than before. We pride ourselves on creating a close-knit and supportive community, so we will continue to focus on innovative ways to forge these important connections until we can once again welcome everyone in person.”

The thrilled homeowners sent chocolate coins back to the children as a thank you.

Mark Wilson, Head of School at Canford Heath Juniors, said: “All of our pupils really enjoyed making and writing their cards. It was certainly a great way to get us all into the Christmas spirit and help to foster relationships between the generations. We’d like to thank all of the homeowners at Clarendon House for sending their kind treats for the children. The delivery was a wonderful surprise for the children who were absolutely delighted they enjoyed their cards.”