Pensioners film classic bedtime stories for youngsters 'so no child goes to bed without one'

Credit: PA Norfolk care home pensioners read bedtime stories
Nancy Thompson, a resident at Cavell Court home in Cringleford in Norfolk reads The Three Little Pigs. Credit: PA

Care home residents have filmed themselves telling classic children’s tales as part of a project to “ensure no child goes to bed without a story”.

Residents at Cavell Court in Cringleford in Norfolk recorded their retellings of four famous bedtime stories including Cinderella, The Three Bears, Jack And The Beanstalk and The Three Little Pigs.

The care home, which is run by Care UK, said it wanted to create the videos as an "alternative experience" as not all children have someone to read stories to them.

It made a film set for the residents, complete with a “storytelling throne”, blankets, puppets, cuddly toys and a cup of tea.

Peta Cremer, 78, who read Cinderella, said: “I wanted to get involved with this to do something nice for the children.

I really enjoyed sitting in the storytelling throne and reading out the different characters. I hope the children enjoy watching them as much as we did creating them.”

Brenda Burman, 87, said: “I can remember having Jack And The Beanstalk read to me as a child, and have read it to my children and grandchildren over the years. It’s a family favourite and one I always enjoy revisiting.”

Peta Cremer, 78, a resident at Cavell Court home in Cringleford, Norfolk, reads Cinderella. Credit: PA

Care UK said it wanted to create something special ahead of National Storytelling Week, which runs from 30 January to 5 February, to promote literacy and “ensure no child goes to bed without a bedtime story, no matter if they have someone to read to them or not”.

Karen Curle, the home manager at Cavell Court, said: “We all remember fondly the stories told to us as children, and the quality time spent reading family favourites with loved ones.

"Unfortunately, we know not every child is lucky enough to have their own grandparents to read to them, and the residents were keen to provide them with an alternate experience to enjoy.

"It has been heart-warming to see the residents practice their lines and read their favourite stories out loud over the last few weeks.

"Nurturing a love of reading from an early age is so important in developing a child’s imagination and communication skills, while in older age reading can also help to improve concentration and reduce stress.“

"From Cinderella to Jack And The Beanstalk, each of the residents’ four videos include something for all children to enjoy and are available for any family to view online.

"We hope children in Norfolk and beyond enjoy each of the stories and where they take their imagination.”

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